The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
It was all excitement in the Ron Palmer Pavilion on Thursday night as the Long Beach Poly boys’ basketball team defeated the Lakewood Lancers 63-42 in the Jackrabbits’ Moore League opener.
Having rescheduled their game against Millikan last Friday due to a tournament conflict, the Jackrabbits came into this game eager to play their first Moore League game of the season. The Lancers, coming off of a loss to Cabrillo on Tuesday, were hoping to secure their first league win and improve their record to 4-10.
Poly opened the game strong, ending the first quarter leading 18-6.
“First home game, they’re kind of pumped up, you know,” said poly coach Shelton Diggs after the game.
A major factor in the Jackrabbits’ win was senior guard Nana Ofoegbu. After missing three weeks earlier this season with a muscle strain, Ofoegbu dropped 15 points in his Moore League senior campaign debut on Thursday and helped guide the Jackrabbits’ offense early on.
“Everyone’s more comfortable where they’re at now with him back in the lineup,” said Coach Shelton Diggs.
Along with Ofoegbu, Jonas Oware had a nice night and led all scorers with a game-high 18 points while dominating off the glass. Junior Isaac Hagens added 14 points, and he and Ofoegbu combined for 16 of Poly’s 25 points in the third quarter.
“We just have to be better on offense, not turning the ball over,” said Diggs. “It’s just about running our plays a little better and taking advantage of our size.”
For the Lancers, senior Diquin Minor had a team-high 16 points as he led Lakewood throughout the game.
“Defensively, I thought they played the way we wanted to play. We held [Lakewood] under 40 for the game,” said Coach Diggs.
With the victory, Poly secured its first league win of the season, improving their record to 6-4, while Lakewood now drops to 3-11.
Poly will take on Van Nuys on December 26th, while Lakewood will be in a tournament.
