Expected duel in San Luis Obispo County fizzles out

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The showdown between Michael Hattar and Dylan Royer on Monday, way up North in a highly anticipated Los Padres League game, was supposed to be a shootout. A fireworks explosion typically reserved for the first week in July. Two of the top 35 scorers in the state going head-to-head for the first time this season. Too bad things turned out to be anything but spectacular.

In fact, the scene reminded me of young kids standing around with some of those cheap sparklers in their hands before the real entertainment begins. Royer scored a game-high 26 points, but Hattar had the final say, scoring 24 points, five below his average, to guide Templeton to a 70-55 victory over Morro Bay.

Funny thing is, Hattar has been seemingly unstoppable thus far, scoring 30 or more points nine times, including 40 or more on three occasions, highlighted by a 50 point-effort against Santa Maria. As for Royer, well, let’s just say he’s never met a shot he didn’t like. He’s No.2 in the state in field goal attempts. Perhaps the rematch on Feb. 4 will be more exciting.

-- Sean Ceglinsky