Prep Basketball Boys : Robinson’s 30 Points, Five Dunks Pace Simi

Needing a victory Wednesday night to stay in contention for a playoff berth, Simi Valley High put the ball in Mark Robinson’s hands and stood back.

So did Newbury Park High, for that matter, and perhaps it was wise because Robinson spent much of the game thundering down court for slam dunks.

Despite sitting out almost the entire fourth quarter, the 6-5 senior center had five dunks and 30 points to lead the Pioneers to a 91-43 rout at Simi Valley.

The win was an important one for the Pioneers, who entered the game tied for third place with Channel Islands. Both teams had 6-4 records. If they remain tied after Friday’s final Marmonte League game, there will be a playoff at Newbury Park Saturday night to determine the league’s third qualifier for the Southern Section 4-A playoffs.

Robinson knew Wednesday’s game was pivitol for the Pioneers.

“I knew we had to win this game and that I had to have a good game,” he said. “This was one of my better games this season but it wouldn’t have meant much if we didn’t win.”

Robinson was slightly modest in assessing his play. He played a game of, well, Robinson-like proportions. He dominated the Panthers in the first half, scoring 22 points or, just as many as the entire Newbury Park team as Simi Valley sprinted out to a 40-22 halftime lead.

For the game, Robinson made 13 of 19 shots from the field, four of four from the free throw line, grabbed six rebounds and had five steals.