File photo – CR’s Isaac Puzz was named tourney MVP at the Kris Kringle tournament.

The Corsairs came away with arguably their most impressive win of the basketball season on Saturday night, knocking off the No. 4 ranked team in the state.

The College of the Redwoods men defeated host school Santa Rosa in the championship game of the Kris Kringle tournament, 84-80, the Corsairs’ eight straight win and their second tournament championship.

With Bradley Willis out injured, former McKinleyville standout Isaac Puzz got his first start of the season and didn’t disappoint, capping a big tournament with a season-high 22 points.

Puzz, who also scored 18 points in Friday’s semifinal, was named tourney MVP.

He nailed six 3-pointers in each of the past two games.

“it was an incredibly big win,” CR head coach Ryan Bisio said.

And not bad for a team that was ranked dead last in the state at the outset of the season.

Thomas Nelson added 23 points and Zac Claus 19, while Drew Gillette finished with 13 points.

Nelson and Gillette were each also named all-tournament.

With the win, the Corsairs improved to 13-3, and they have scored 80 or more in every game on their current winning streak.

“The boys continue to show everybody that’s watched them the enormous skill, heart and love they have for playing together,” Bisio said.

With injuries limiting the roster, AJ Stubbs returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing  Friday’s game due to illness, and he had a big contribution with seven points off the bench.

CR women 88, Ohlone 37

The College of the Redwoods women remained red-hot with a dominating win at home against Ohlone on Saturday.

The win was the seventh straight for the Corsairs, who improved to 9-3.

Theresia Dickey led the way with 16 points, while Darienne Kartes finished with 15 points and Brianna Green 14.

The Corsairs will host Napa Valley College next weekend.

###

Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.