Orange League : Valencia Is Cold, Anaheim Is Colder in Opener, 39-31

When a team shoots 36% from the field, as Valencia High School did in its Orange League opener on Wednesday night against Anaheim, its chances of winning are usually slight.

But the Tigers (9-5) played an even colder-shooting team, and defeated the Colonists, 39-31, in front of 200 at Anaheim.

“I’ll take any win, especially in league,” Valencia Coach Ray Rodriguez said.

Anaheim (2-10) shot only 31% against Valencia’s zone defense.

The Tigers opened a 21-14 halftime lead, thanks to an 8-0 spurt in the second quarter. Anaheim had trouble containing Valencia’s two big men inside--Jeff Adams, who had a game-high 13 points and Kevin Jones, who added 9.

In other Orange League action:

Savanna 56, Magnolia 40--The Rebels outscored Magnolia, 17-2, in the second quarter to gain their 11th win of the season. Magnolia (0-11) managed only two free throws in the quarter but did manage to limit Savanna’s Tim Pittman to only 10 points. Alex Madas paced the winners with 19 points.

SAVANNA (56)--Pittman 10, Madas 19, Veale 5, Campbell 2, Hoffman 10, Koh 2, Smith 4, Lopez 2, Makimoto 2.

MAGNOLIA (40)--Ryan 12, Underwood 3, C. Gonzales 6, Vanuelos 2, Ibarra 7, Gorrian 4, Osuna 6.

Brea-Olinda 51, Western 42--Kevin Walker scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds as the Wildcats improved their record to 13-4. Western held 23-22 lead at halftime, but Brea utilized a trapping defense that was instrumental in outscoring the Pioneers, 11-4, in the third quarter. The game marked the 13th time Brea has limited an opponent to under 49 points.

BREA-OLINDA (51)--Jones 1, Francis 2, Jensen 2, Barcelo 10, Fox 10, Walker 23, Tousey 3.

WESTERN (42)--Lamorte 8, Joseph 9, Longmyre 2, Burris 15, Cate 4, Bush 4.