Patrick Henry Deals Point Loma Its Third Loss in Row

The Point Loma High School boys basketball team, which has one of the county’s more difficult schedules, suffered its third consecutive loss, a 78-67 decision Tuesday to second-ranked Patrick Henry in a City Eastern League game at Patrick Henry.

The loss dropped the Pointers to 2-4 record in league and 13-6 overall.

“I don’t think we’ve lost three in a row for about five years,” said Point Loma Coach John May, whose team has lost twice to Patrick Henry, and once each to top-ranked Poway, No. 3 Sweetwater and No. 5 Morse. “We played hard and the final score would have been closer had we not had to take so many chances at the end.”

Using a pressure defense that forced several turnovers, the Pointers led, 22-14, at the end of the first quarter.

But three consecutive turnovers at the start of the third quarter helped Patrick Henry take over. Led by Howard Wright’s 22 points, the Patriots’ victory improved the City Eastern front-runners’ record to 6-0 in league and 19-0 overall.

“They’re a very difficult team to beat,” May said. “You have to try and force some turnovers and try to contain Wright. Then, you have to hope they have an off-night.”

The Patriots also received 14 points from Kensey Smith and 12 from Darrell Gaynes. Rodrick Stidum paced the losers with 22 points. Darrell Jackson added 14.

Elsewhere in the City Eastern League:

Serra 62, Madison 46--The host Conquistadors (3-3 in league, 12-6 overall) outscored the Warhawks, 16-4, in the second quarter en route to their third straight victory. Steve Smith scored eight of his team-high 18 points in Serra’s outburst. Jimmy Dean led Madison (2-4, 8-9) with 22 points.

Morse 84, Mira Mesa 48--Fifth-ranked Morse had an easy time against the Marauders at Mira Mesa. The Tigers (5-1, 11-4) had double-figure scoring from Paul Bryant (17), Joe Ives (13) and David Hardin (11). The defending champion Marauders are winless 0-6 in league and 6-12 overall.

In the Grossmont League:

Santana 59, Helix 58--A pair of free throws by Brian Heacock with 30 seconds helped the Sultans (6-6, 12-7) surprise the Highlanders at Santana. Jeff Barry led Santana with 20 points and center Billy Mathis, playing in his first game this season, chipped in 14. Doug Renert scored 14 of his team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter to help Helix (7-4, 11-6) close the gap after trailing by 10 after three quarters.

Valhalla 74, Grossmont 45--The visiting Norsemen (6-6, 9-11) sank 31 of 56 shots from the floor to handle the Foothillers. Mike Pelletier scored 20 points and had eight rebounds for Valhalla. Todd Christensen had 16 points and had 12 assists. Donnie Angotti scored 15 for Grossmont (1-10, 3-14).

Monte Vista 67, El Cajon 35--The fourth-ranked Monarchs (12-0, 18-1) riddled the host Braves with a pressing defense, forcing 33 turnovers. Demetrius Laffitte scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Monte Vista. David Burgess added 12 points. Robert Jones’ 15 points topped El Cajon (7-10, 4-7).

Mt. Miguel 50, Granite Hills 46--The Matadors won for the second time in 12 league games as Lewis Holloway scored eight of his 14 points in the final quarter and came up with a key steal late in the game. Tom Shawcroft had 25 points to provide most of the offense for the host Eagles (4-15, 3-9).

In the City Western League:

Kearny 57, La Jolla 39--The Komets (5-1, 13-6) jumped out to a 15-5 first-quarter lead and coasted at La Jolla. Brad Milhoan, Kearny’s leading scorer, tossed in 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. The Vikings (6-9, 2-4) were led by Lucky Brown’s 14 points.

Clairemont 51, University City 30--The Centurions (0-16, 0-6) never recovered from a 14-2 first-quarter burst by Clairemont. Jeff Sturch scored a team-high 15 points for the Chieftans (2-15, 2-4).

In the City Central League:

Lincoln 63, Hoover 55 (Overtime)--Ken Ceaser scored eight points in overtime to help the Hornets deal sixth-ranked Hoover (17-3) its first league loss after five victories at Hoover. Shelby Hall led Lincoln (8-9, 4-2) with 18 points, and Ceaser wound up with 13. Sam Aguirre the county’s eighth-leading scorer, had as game-high 29 points.

Crawford 57, St. Augustine 44--The Colts (8-9, 4-2) traveled to North Park to beat the Saints (7-11, 2-4). Center Mark Hayes gave Crawford 19 points and 9 rebounds. Cliff Sullivan had 12 points and 6 rebounds.