Woodbridge: a Must-Win Game, Almost

Bill Shannon, Woodbridge High School basketball coach, said he doesn’t think his team’s game tonight against Newport Harbor (at Woodbridge, 7:30) is a must-win situation.

The Warriors are 4-3 going into the the second round of league competition, as are Newport Harbor, Laguna Beach and University. Corona del Mar leads the bunch at 6-1, having lost only to Woodbridge.

“I knew it was going to be like this from the beginning,” Shannon said. “This league is so balanced. I think it’s too early to call these games critical, but they’re definitely important.”

Especially since the Warriors will play Laguna Beach Friday, and Newport Harbor will play Corona del Mar next.

In the first game between Woodbridge and Newport Harbor, Sailors forward Jon Alstrom made a top of the key jump shot with one second left to give his team a 59-57 win.

Alstrom provided the last second heroics, but it was Maurice Lee who won the game for Newport Harbor. Lee, a guard, scored 28 points, including 14 in the third period.

On defense, the Sailors will have to stop Woodbridge center Adam Keefe, who is averaging 18.5 points and 12.6 rebounds.

Also in the Sea View League, Corona del Mar at Laguna Beach, Saddleback at University, Estancia at Costa Mesa.

In the Century League:

Orange (4-4, 9-10) at El Modena (5-3, 8-8)--Only a week and a half ago, Orange seemed well on its way to oblivion. The Panthers, expected to challenge for the league title, started with a 1-3 record in league play. But the Panthers have won their last three to pull into a third- place tie with Tustin. El Modena has sole possession of second-place. Also, Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana, Tustin at Canyon, Foothill at Villa Park.

In the Empire League:

El Dorado (6-2, 14-4) at Kennedy (4-4, 8-9)--This is the rematch of the league defending champions. The Golden Hawks, led by forward Jim Sammon, are tied for second place with Los Alamitos. Kennedy is in fifth place and needs to produce some upsets to stay in the race for a playoff berth. Also, Loara at Los Alamitos, Pacifica at Katella, Cypress at Esperanza.

In the Freeway League:

Fullerton (2-2, 11-7) at Sonora (1-3, 3-12)--The Indians were favored to win the league but have struggled of late. Fullerton has the league’s top scorer in Ralph Tallant, who’s averaging 16.5 points. Also, Buena Park at La Habra, Sunny Hills at Troy.

In the Orange League:

Western at Valencia--Troy Joseph carries most of the offensive load for the Pioneers, averaging 18.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. Valencia will have to overcome a poor performance last Friday in which the Tigers shot 35% and scored only 36 points in a overtime loss to Magnolia. Also, Magnolia at Brea-Olinda, Anaheim at Savanna.

In the South Coast League:

Irvine (4-3, 12-10) at El Toro (4-3, 10-9)--This game will decide which team will take sole possession of third place. Capistrano Valley leads the league at 7-0, Mission Viejo is second at 6-1, San Clemente is a distant fourth at 2-5. The Chargers start three sophomores, including guard Bret Johnson who is averaging 17.5 points a game. Irvine is led by junior Mike Herring who’s averaging 15.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. Also, San Clemente at Capistrano Valley, Mission Viejo at Dana Hills.

In the Sunset League (Note: all games in the Sunset league will be played at 4:45 today):

Marina (2-3, 12-9) at Fountain Valley (3-2, 12-8)--The Vikings are currently in a three-way tie for third place with Edison and Westminster. With Ocean View ineligible for the Southern Section playoffs, they are competing to be the league’s No.2 representative. A win over Fountain Valley would move the Vikings into a second-place tie. Also, Ocean View at Edison, Westminster at Huntington Beach.