West Valley and Perris will battle for first in Sunbelt League

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Try a Google search on ‘attractions in Hemet’’ and it basically comes up empty, unless you count the mud hole known as Diamond Valley Lake.

But there’s good reason to head into town Friday night, when West Valley is scheduled to host Perris in a Sunbelt League game at 6:30 p.m. Both teams are 3-0 in league and have played well against some strong nonleague foes.

West Valley has won 12 straight since its only glitch this season, a 23-point loss to Arlington.

Perris lost by six points to unbeaten Etiwanda, ranked No. 11 in the Southland by The Times, and handed Murrieta Valley its first loss two weeks ago.

The Mustangs have a monster in the middle in Joseph Burton, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound junior who averages 22.7 points and 17 rebounds. Four other West Valley players also average double figures in scoring.

Perris will counter with Kevin Young, a 6-8 senior who has put up good numbers at times, but has also struggled against stronger opponents.

Advantage: Burton.

West Valley will face its toughest opponent this season on Monday, when it’s scheduled to play No. 12 Gahr at the MLK Invitational at Riverside King. That game is scheduled for 8 p.m.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from www.city-data.com