It was a hard fought battle from start to finish and in the end Cardinal Newman came away with a two point victory over Santa Rosa in the Sonoma County Classic Championship, 46-44.  Newman held a small lead through much of the first half, with Santa Rosa taking the lead briefly in the second quarter.  The teams were rarely separated by more than two or three points the entire second half.

Down the stretch, Santa Rosa took a two point lead at 42-40 and got a big stop.  The Panthers had a chance to add to the lead but CN Sophomore Bryan Huertes came up with a steal near mid-court and then rocketed down the floor for an un-contested lay up to tie the game.   Newman held a 46-44 lead with just seconds to go but Tourney MVP Gavin Vogensen forced an off balance shot from Will Logue that missed and Andrew Krilich secured the loose ball on the floor when Newman took a quick timeout.   Santa Rosa would be forced to foul with under 5 seconds left but was sitting at only 4 team fouls and Newman was able to run out the clock with out getting to the line.

Vogensen finished with a team high 19 points while Sam Cline and Leo Gonzales chipped in 8 a piece.  Both would earn All-Tournament.  

With the win, Newman is now 8-7 on the season and seems to be gaining momentum as the pre-League schedule comes to a close.

North Bay League play begins next week as the Cardinals will host Healdsburg on Tuesday Night.