Dane Wallace hits game-winning shot in overtime as California beats Dublin for first time in 15 years
California High made history on Tuesday night.
Dane Wallace’s game-winning turnaround jumper in overtime with seconds left on the clock gave Cal its first win over Dublin in 15 years as the Grizzlies defeated the Gaels 61-60 on the road.
Wallace finished with 21 points – 11 of which came in the second half and overtime. Brayde Kuykendall had a game-high 23 points for California, which avenged a nine-point loss to Dublin in the Napa Tournament earlier this season.
“Tonight was just one of those special nights for us,” California coach Steve Ohlmeyer said in a phone interview with the Bay Area News Group. “We just really locked in and got it done.”
California is off to its best start in over 20 years as it improved to 17-2 with Tuesday’s win. The San Ramon school started the season unranked, but has climbed to No. 11 in the latest Bay Area News Group rankings.
“These guys are just really staying the course,” Ohlmeyer said. “It’s just been really fun to watch and be a part of.”
Dublin got off to a hot start, taking a 20-10 lead after the first quarter. Cal stormed back in the second quarter behind a combined 12 points from Kuykendall and Wallace to trail Dublin by just two at halftime.
After four quarters, the game went into overtime with both teams knotted at 53.
With seconds left in overtime, California trailed by one and put the ball in Wallace’s hands. The Grizzlies ran a triple screen at the top of the key and got the senior in a one-on-one opportunity on the right wing.
Wallace dribbled into the lane and spun to his right side to put up a fadeaway jumper that swished through the net to ice the game for California.
“Dane’s our heart and soul of our team,” Ohlmeyer said. “This is a guy that played a lot as a sophomore on our team that made the state playoffs two years ago and then a year ago, he had shoulder surgery and he missed all of league play. I don’t think anybody forgot him, but maybe forgot how talented he was.”
It was a choppy game for both teams as 60 free throws were shot between both teams. Miles Pollard led Dublin with a team-high 21 points and forward Jaidan Jones added 13.
California will look to capture its third league win of the year when it plays Monte Vista on Friday. Dublin will look to bounce back at home against Foothill on Friday.