Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team showcased their strength and skill in an impressive 80-54 victory over Canyon during their Crestview League opener on January 6, 2026. Despite playing without star forward Jacob Majok, who is recovering from an ankle injury, the Saints leveraged their height and athleticism to overwhelm the visiting Comanches.
Led by Chadrack Mpoyi, a 6-foot-11 center, the Saints improved their overall record to 15-5. Mpoyi was instrumental in the win, scoring 25 points and delivering several highlight-reel dunks that energized the home crowd. His performance was complemented by junior guard Hunter Caplan, who added 20 points, including six successful three-pointers.
Crean Lutheran quickly established dominance in the first quarter, capitalizing on Canyon’s early mistakes. The Saints raced to a staggering 21-1 lead, forcing Canyon to regroup. By the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 23-5, underlining Crean’s offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity.
Canyon, known for their spirited play, attempted to claw their way back into the game. The Comanches outscored Crean 23-17 in a stretch that extended from the first into the second quarter, narrowing the deficit to 11 points at one stage. However, they were unable to close the gap significantly, and the halftime score was 38-24 in favor of Crean Lutheran.
As the game progressed, Mpoyi continued to assert his presence on the court, scoring 11 points in the third quarter alone. Caplan contributed two more three-pointers, helping maintain a comfortable lead. By the end of the third quarter, Crean Lutheran held a 59-40 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, the Saints extended their lead to as much as 30 points, firmly securing the win. Caplan remarked on the importance of integrating Mpoyi into their offensive strategy, highlighting his overall impact on the game. “Even when he’s not scoring, just his impact of being here on the court makes all of our jobs way easier,” Caplan stated.
Crean Lutheran’s performance not only demonstrated their skill but also their ability to adapt in the absence of a key player. According to CIF Southern Section rankings, the Saints are currently positioned at No. 8 overall, a testament to their competitive edge this season. In contrast, Canyon stands at No. 45 in the same rankings.
Canyon’s senior guard Tate Dohrmann led his team with 15 points, but it was not enough to match Crean’s firepower. The Comanches will look to regroup as they prepare for their next league game against Foothill on January 9, while Crean Lutheran faces La Habra on the same day.
This decisive victory sets a positive tone for Crean Lutheran as they aim for further success in the Crestview League and beyond.
