Saugus boys basketball storms back to beat Canyon

SANTA CLARITA — Saugus basketball came into their Foothill League game against Canyon on Friday on the back of a league-opening win earlier in the week, and the Centurions came in with some extra motivation on the way to a comeback 64-50 win over Canyon.

“I would say we tried to make a statement,” Saugus senior forward Braydon Harmon said postgame. “People saying ‘we’re always the underdogs,’ so we’re always gonna match every team’s intensity, match it even higher, play stronger, try to play with the most energy we can possible.”

Harmon led the way for Saugus in a furious fourth-quarter comeback, a final frame that saw them start on a 15-0 run to turn a 41-40 deficit into a 55-41 lead with three and a half minutes remaining.

Saugus rode a strong defensive effort to an early-season victory over a quality Canyon team, as the Cowboys had an 8-3 record coming into the game and won the Division 2A championship last season.

Canyon led 29-25 at halftime after strong efforts from guard Alex Lazo and forward Adam Graham, as the senior duo combined for 18 points in the first half.

The Centurions were able to storm back late in the second quarter. Junior guard Aiden Pisarnwongs got a steal and hit a 3-pointer to bring his team within four points as time expired in the frame.

From there, Saugus was able to stymie Canyon’s offense, led by Isaac Yuhico. The senior point guard finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but was inefficient on offense after Saugus made an adjustment on defense.

“I mean, you know, kinda blitzing the ball screens, not faceguarding but just kinda staying close,” Saugus head coach Alfredo Manzano said about the changes his team made guarding the explosive Canyon point guard.

“With Braydon’s athleticism and [his ability] to move lateral, he was able to defend him really well.”

Harmon scored 23 points, 15 rebounds and two steals on the night, but the Centurions’ full team effort helped them come out on top, Manzano said.

“Our energy on the defensive side of the ball picked up,” Harmon said. “We went with some subs that brought a lot of energy, took some charges. Once we were able to get some good stops, it kinda opened up the offense for us a little bit.”

Saugus sophomore Andrew Ruiz was crucial late in the game, scoring 12 points and providing two assists. He, along with Harmon and Pisarnwongs, helped control the pace after Canyon started strong early on.

Manzano discussed what it said about his team to have staged such a comeback.

“High character, bought in, understanding that the game’s not over. Not checking out. So those are the things that come to mind.”