Lide shoots Agassi Prep into Vegas Invitational final

DeCari Lide was a role player for Agassi Prep's boys basketball team during its Class 2A state championship season last year.

The "role" officially is gone from his title as a senior shooting guard.

Lide scored a game-high 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Stars to a 97-73 victory over rival Needles in the semifinals of the Vegas Invitational on Wednesday at Mountain View.

"Last year, I was timid on the perimeter," Lide said. "Coach (Wendell West) wanted me to step up and take open shots, penetrate, dish, everything. I've taken the initiative to work on my inside and outside game, and it flows together."

Agassi Prep (8-2) advanced to meet St. Joseph (Calif.) in the title game at 8 p.m. today.

Lide scored 18 points in the second half as Agassi Prep dominated the third quarter for the second straight day.

"(Lide) is just giving every bit of energy and effort he has every second he's out there," West said. "I can't ask for any more than that, and it's showing on the court. He has just been huge for us this year. He's taken the pressure and going out and playing well."

Kalinn Jackson made a 3-pointer from the right corner and a layup on consecutive possessions to highlight a 25-9 third-quarter run the Stars used to build a 61-43 lead.

Jackson scored 21 points and Terrell Kemp 14 for Agassi Prep. Darryl Green had 11 points, 11 rebounds and three steals, and Anson Williams added 10 points and three steals.

"After we won the state championship, these guys were dedicated," said West, in his first year as head coach. "The hard work they put in over the summer is starting to show."

Agassi Prep overcame a monstrous game by Needles senior center Aaron Burns, who had 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Michael Hills supplied 16 points for the Mustangs (9-3), and John Ochoa scored 11.

Agassi Prep has 13 seniors, including its starting five. It's added up to a hot start that includes three wins over Class 4A foes and a six-game winning streak.

But the Stars still have plenty of motivation. Lide said Agassi Prep is especially determined to win its first Vegas Invitational title after losing in the semifinals to St. Joseph last year.

"We've been in the tournament for four years, and we're just tired of losing," Lide said. "Every year we get better, and we're finally in the championship. Senior year, we've put it all on the line."

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.