Crescenta Valley boys’ basketball thwarts Hoover
LA CRESCENTA — Looking to get back on track following a disappointing defeat against Pasadena High, the Crescenta Valley boys’ basketball team seemed rejuvenated when it met Hoover in a Pacific League home contest Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Crescenta Valley and Hoover found themselves locked in a tight game before Arin Ovanessian took charge late.
Ovanessian scored a game-high 26 points, including 17 in the second half, to propel host Crescenta Valley to a 69-61 victory against Hoover.
Ovanessian made eight of nine free throws in the second half to help Crescenta Valley (17-7, 7-4 in league) pull away from Hoover (6-17, 3-8).
“I take pride with my free-throw shooting,” Ovanessian said. “It gets late in a game and you just need to make those shots.
“There’s pressure trying to make them in a close game, but you always have to be ready. That’s what I try to do. We couldn’t dwell on what happened against Pasadena the other night, so we had to be ready for this game and take care of our own business.”
Hoover took a 51-50 lead on a three-pointer by Alec Pirijanian with 3:40 left in the fourth quarter. Crescenta Valley responded by closing out on a 19-10 run that featured Ovanessian making six free throws in that stretch.
Crescenta Valley also received a big effort from Gabriel Ajemian, who contributed 24 points and eight rebounds to help the Falcons complete the two-game season series sweep of the Tornadoes. Crescenta Valley, ranked 12th in CIF Southern Section Division I-A, notched a 66-56 win against Hoover on Jan. 13.
“Gabe and Arin really stepped up their games tonight,” Crescenta Valley Coach Shawn Zargarian said. “You have to tip your hat first to Hoover for the way they played, because their style of play is structured to benefit them.
“Gabe and Arin were definitely big factors, especially in the second half. They both made some big shots and free throws. When we play good defense, run the floor and share the ball, we’re a good team and we needed to get back to doing those things.”
Ovanessian took a nifty pass from Trey Ballard and scored on a layup to give the Falcons a 57-52 lead with 2:33 remaining. He then converted a three-point play about a minute later to extend the lead to 60-55. Ajemian made four free throws to seal the victory.
Pirijanian paced Hoover with a team-best 24 points, including 15 in the second half.
“CV really didn’t miss any free throws down the stretch and that made a big difference,” said Hoover Coach Jack Van Patten, who received eight points from Angel Mino. “They responded and made the critical plays at the end.
“It’s a game anybody could have won. I thought we were OK defensively and we’re getting better. We played much better in the second half of league compared to the first half.”
The Tornadoes led, 11-9, after the first quarter. Hoover held a 26-24 halftime advantage.
Crescenta Valley and Hoover will participate in league games at 7 p.m. Friday. Crescenta Valley will play at Glendale and Hoover will travel to Burroughs.
