Stu Vetter is no stranger to winning ‘Iolani Classic championships.
At Montrose Christian, however, it’d be a first.
The legendary high school coach has won here with both Flint Hill (1985, 1986, 1988) and St. John’s (1994, 1996, 1997). Vetter will try to claim his first title in his ninth trip with Montrose Christian following Monday night’s 48-31 victory over Westbury Christian in the semifinals at ‘Iolani gym.
He’s been to the championship game four times with Montrose, losing with such players as Kevin Durant, Linas Kleiza and Greivis Vasquez.
It’s a statistic he drives home with his players.
“It would be great because I told (the team) we’ve come here with some great players like Kevin and Greivis and Linas Kleiza … and I’d love to get a win with Montrose because these kids deserve a win,” Vetter said.
The Mustangs continued to ride a punishing defense to the final, holding Westbury Christian, ranked No. 37 in the ESPN Fab 50, to 12 points and only two field goals in the second half.
The Mustangs were 22-for-33 from the free-throw line and forced Westbury Christian’s Delvin Dickerson, a South Alabama commit, and Devon Turk to foul out in the fourth quarter.
“Montrose plays very hard, are very physical and are very good at what they do,” Westbury Christian coach Russell Carr said. “We didn’t shoot the ball well, didn’t make field goals, and you can’t win that way against a really good team.”
Justin Anderson scored 10 of his game-high 14 points in the second half, helping Montrose outscore Westbury 25-12.
Anderson added six rebounds and three blocks, and gave Montrose its first double-digit lead of the game with a three-point play to start the fourth quarter.
Kevin Zabo hit three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, and Michael Carrera had 11 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, including two big ones in a momentum-turning second quarter.
“Teams that play against us, we’re usually the game of the year on their schedule, so they play with a tremendous amount of energy early,” Vetter said. “We were able to match that and come back and show a lot of character on our part.”
Montrose Christian will play Orlando Christian, a 52-34 winner over Bishop O’Dowd.
Other Tuesday scores
Lincoln (Calif.) 58, ‘Iolani 43
Kamehameha-Hawaii 66, Farrington 54
De La Salle (Calif.) 53, Fairfax (Calif.) 30
Kalani 51, Kaimuki 35
AOP 37, Tsinghua (China) 24
Kamehameha 54, Kahuku 53
