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Health & Fitness

Warriors finish preseason undefeated

The Santa Cruz Warriors finished the preseason undefeated as they defeated the visiting Bakersfield Jam 103-97.  Cameron Jones and Seth Curry combined for over half of the team's points with 28 and 27 respectively. 

It was the play of forward Kevin Kotzur that helped lead the Warriors to victory.  Kotzur scored 19 points on 9 of 10 shooting to go along with 15 rebounds as he dominated the low post position. 

Invited to training camp from the Oakland tryout, Kotzur continues to impress coach Hill.

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"He's a kid that doesn't really get a second look unless you play him a couple times," said Hill. "He just finishes, he's one of those guys that the game of basketball gets confused by."

The Warriors struggled early with transition defense as Bakersfield pushed the tempo and led by nine points after the first quarter. 

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Trailing for most of the second quarter, the Warriors closed the gap on a 17-4 run as Dewayne Dedmon fired up the crowd with a trio of dunks, including a half-court alley-oop slam from point guard Seth Curry, to finish the half leading 50-47.

"I was running and I'm glad Seth saw me," said Dedmon. 

The Warriors and the Jam exchanged baskets for most of the third quarter as Bakersfield erased the deficit and tied the game heading into the fourth quarter, 72-72. 

Kotzur and Jones were unstoppable in the fourth quarter as they led the Warriors to victory.  Jones scored 12 of his 28 points in the final six minutes of the game while Kotzur made all four of his shots he attempted in the final 12 minutes. 

"We just outworked (Bakersfield) in the fourth quarter," said Kotzur. 

Jones sealed the game with 18 seconds left as he made a pair of free-throws to just put the game out of reach for the Jam and give the Warriors a four point lead, 101-97.  Coach Hill had no doubt about Jones' ability to nail both free throws.

"Cam Jones is ice cold," said Hill.

On assignment from the Atlanta Hawks, Jared Cunnighman led the Jam with 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting,

The Warriors, having opened training camp just over a week ago are learning as they play the game, but Hill is impressed with what he's seen thus far from his team.

"We battle, we're fighters," said Hill.  "These guys stood up to their name on their chest, they were warriors tonight."

Dedmon finished with his second consecutive double-double scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to go along with his five blocks. 

"I'm just trying to consistently play with a high level of energy," said Dedmon.

Dedmon was in foul trouble early on, something that happened in the team's first preseason game.  Dedmon knows it's something he has to work on to be a successful player.

"I started to learn how the refs call the game, so I just got to make adjustments to that," said Dedmon.

The Warriors open their regular season Friday Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at home when they play the Austin Toros.  First, training camp cuts must come and it's not easy for coach Hill.

"I always get butterflies when cuts happen," said Hill.  "I don't handle that well."

While cuts are never easy for Hill, Kotzur and Dedmon have formed a dynamic duo of size and athleticism for the Warriors front court.

"I know (Dedmon) is behind me on defense, and he's got a little block party going on."

Game Notes: Kiwi Gardner did not play due to illness. 

Taylor Griffin is still injured from last year's D-League finals and is expected to return to the lineup in December. 

Joe Alexander is still recovering from a tibial stress reaction and is expected to return in December as well.

Paul Crosby did not play in either game and is not with the team due to personal reasons. 





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