San Diego Prep : Boys’ Basketball : Hilltop, Kearny Get First Loss in Tournament

After three rounds of pool play in the ninth annual Hilltop Invitational boys’ basketball tournament, one thing is certain--the champion will not go undefeated.

Hilltop and Kearny fell from the unbeaten ranks Wednesday as Mira Mesa defeated Hilltop, 64-46, and Hoover defeated Kearny, 43-35. Hilltop, Hoover, Kearny, Mira Mesa and Sweetwater all have 2-1 records. Chula Vista and Point Loma are 1-2, and Torrey Pines is 0-3.

Hoover 43, Kearny 35--Hoover trailed, 27-26, after three quarters Wednesday afternoon, but the Cardinals outscored the Komets, 17-8, in the final eight minutes to gain the win.

Michael Walker led Hoover with 11 points, and Steve Schmunk added 10. Kearny’s Steve Daley led all scorers with 14. Teammate Tim Garlin had 10.

Mira Mesa 64, Hilltop 46--Mira Mesa trailed, 14-13, after one quarter, but outscored Hilltop, 25-9, in the second quarter to take a 38-23 halftime lead.

Mira Mesa had three players score in double figures. Phil Dang led the way with 14, Bill Lee had 13 and David Lee added 10.

David Mossman scored 14 and Judd Rachow 11 for Hilltop.

Chula Vista 68, Point Loma 61--Joe Klanchar scored 32 points as Chula Vista recorded its first win in the tournament.

Adam Gire scored 15 and Dennis Benitez 12 for the Spartans, who trailed 34-25 at the half. Chula Vista outscored the Pointers 24-14 in the third quarter to take a 49-48 lead, and never trailed again while pulling away in the final quarter.

Dale Bryant and Kenneth Dunaway had 17 and 16 respectively for Point Loma.

Sweetwater 70, Torrey Pines 61--Matt Simmons scored 23 points and Mahlon Williams added 18 as the Red Devils held off a stubborn Torrey Pines team.

Sweetwater had a 16-9 lead after one quarter, but Torrey Pines cut the deficit to 29-28 at halftime.

The Red Devils surged to a 15-point lead, 55-40, after three quarters, but Torrey Pines pulled within five in the fourth quarter before falling back again.

Scott Thompson scored 21 points for Torrey Pines.