Montclair Prep Moves Into 3-Way Tie for First

Montclair Prep center Todd Bowser collected 24 points and 11 rebounds to guide the Mounties to a 64-46 defeat of Marshall Fundamental Tuesday night at Pasadena High.

The 6-8 senior’s performance helped Montclair Prep climb into a three-way tie atop the Alpha League with L. A. Baptist and Marshall Fundamental.

Marshall’s David Whitmore, who finished with 15 points, scored the first five points of the third quarter as the Eagles broke a halftime tie.

Montclair Prep Coach Howard Abrams immediately called for a timeout.

“I told the guys if the bus is running then you should get on it, if we’re not going to play anymore,” he said.

Guard John Quick scored six points in a 10-0 Montclair Prep run, and the Mounties led 41-36 with two minutes left in the quarter.

Montclair Prep’s defense shut down Whitmore in the fourth quarter as the 6-0 senior missed all seven of his shots.

“After Bowser fly-swatted one of his shots, I think that took his confidence away,” Abrams said. “Bowser is definitely the glue that holds everyone together.”

The 6-8, 255-pound senior scored 10 of his points from the free-throw line and blocked three shots in the game.

“I don’t try to block shots, but when they come it really helps the team,” Bowser said. “It was really important for us to win this one.”

Forward Bryan Moss scored 14 points and Quick added 15 for Montclair Prep.

For Marshall, Corey Dantzler scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Marshall Coach Wayne Ellis was equally impressed with Bowser’s play.

“Bowser dominated the inside, he’s an excellent ball player,” Ellis said.

Montclair Prep is 13-5, and Marshall is 14-5.

The bus is running now for Montclair Prep. His name is Todd Bowser and the 255-pound center may carry them right to the Alpha League title.