The Knights got off to their best start in the program's history after defeating Porterville, 57-48, in their home opener on Friday to improve to 3-1, but dropped the next two games of the Knights' Colbert Classic, including the third place game to Cerritos on Sunday.
Elliott Nixon led the Knights with 14 points and six rebounds off the bench in the win over Porterville, while Mariah Wonders added nine points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks.
Alissa Wolfblack scored seven points in the opening 10 minutes to help the Knights get out to a 21-10 after one quarter.
Porterville, led by Kathy Rodriguez' nine points and 11 rebounds, cut City's lead down to 31-23 by halftime and then got to within two points at 33-31 midway through the third quarter.
With the Knights holding on to a 4-point lead after three quarters, Nixon and Jasmyn Wolfgramm nailed back-to-back 3-pointers to start the final period to regain a 45-35 lead.
Porterville got within five on a couple of occasions down the stretch, including with 31 seconds left, but Breeana Gafare put the game away with a layup and a pair of free throws.
In the semifinals against Los Angeles Harbor on Saturday, the Knights were only down seven at the half, but Harbor outscored them 23-10 in the third and City never recovered as they went on to lose, 69-46.
Elliott Nixon led the Knights once again with 19 points and six rebounds. Kaylynn Cooper contributed 14 points and 16 rebounds off the bench.
The Knights were matched up against Cerritos in the third place game on Sunday and built a 29-18 halftime lead. City fought off Cerritos for most of the third quarter and held a 42-34 lead going into the final period.
Nixon made a jumpshot with 7:40 remaining that gave the Knights a 10-point lead, but Cerritos turned up its defensive pressure with a full-court press that rattled the Knights. Cerritos turned the game around with a 19-4 run to take a 55-48 lead with 1:19 left and went on to win, 58-49.
Wonders was named to the all-tournament team after putting up 15 points and 17 rebounds against Cerritos.
Cuesta defeated L.A. Harbor, 68-65, in overtime to claim the tournament championship.
Colbert Classic All-Tournament Team
Claire Garcia (Cuesta) - MVP
Madison Collins (Cuesta)
Katelyn Martin (L.A. Harbor)
Serena Rendon (Cerritos)
Mariah Wonders (San Diego City)
Destiny Salgado (Imperial Valley)
Julia Iman (MiraCosta)
