In a decisive opening game of the Crestview League, the Crean Lutheran boys basketball team showcased their dominance by defeating Canyon 80-54 on January 6, 2026. Despite missing key player Jacob Majok due to an ankle injury, Crean Lutheran utilized their height and strength to overpower their opponents.
Standing at 6-foot-11, Chadrack Mpoyi led the Saints with an impressive performance, scoring 25 points and executing several breathtaking dunks. The victory improved Crean Lutheran’s record to 15-5, while Canyon fell to 11-7.
Canyon’s absence of Majok, who averages nine points and seven rebounds per game, was felt throughout the night. Mpoyi acknowledged the impact of Majok’s leadership, stating, “Jacob was our MVP last year. He’s our leader, our captain.”
With Majok sidelined, Mpoyi and junior guard Hunter Caplan stepped up significantly. Mpoyi shot 12 of 15 from the floor, including a three-point attempt, while Caplan made a remarkable contribution by scoring 20 points on six three-pointers and providing six assists.
The Saints began the game aggressively, capitalizing on Canyon’s early turnovers. They raced to a substantial 21-1 lead, forcing Canyon to regroup. Despite their spirited defense, Canyon struggled to recover fully, trailing 23-5 at the end of the first quarter.
Canyon, known for their unwavering spirit, managed to tighten the score by outscoring Crean Lutheran 23-17 in a stretch that spanned the first and second quarters. The halftime score stood at 38-24, offering a glimmer of hope for the Comanches.
In the third quarter, Mpoyi continued his offensive surge, scoring 11 points, while Caplan hit two crucial three-pointers, maintaining a comfortable lead of 59-40 heading into the final quarter. The Saints ultimately extended their advantage to 30 points during the fourth quarter.
Caplan emphasized the importance of integrating Mpoyi into the team’s offensive strategy, noting, “Even when he’s not scoring, just his impact of being here on the court… He makes all of our jobs way easier.”
Crean Lutheran currently ranks No. 8 in the CIF Southern Section power rankings, which are crucial for playoff positioning, while Canyon is placed No. 45. The Saints’ next challenge will be a league match against La Habra on January 9, 2026, while Canyon prepares to face Foothill on the same day.
Canyon’s leading scorer for the night was senior guard Tate Dohrmann, who contributed 15 points. Both teams continue to navigate their league schedules as they aim for successful seasons ahead.
In summary, Crean Lutheran’s combination of height, skill, and strategic play proved too much for Canyon in this opening bout, setting a strong tone for the remainder of the season.
