Southern Section 1-A Boys : Wolfe Makes the Difference in Crossroads’ 70-61 Victory

At some point in Saturday morning’s Southern Section 1-A boys’ championship game, it became apparent that the most significant difference between Santa Monica Crossroads and Whittier Christian high schools was Crossroads’ rail-thin center, Dave Wolfe.

In a matchup of schools with nearly identical styles of play, not to mention players, Wolfe was the one ingredient Whittier Christian could not match.

Wolfe, a 6-7 junior center, scored 25 points, shot 11 of 13 from the field and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Roadrunners to a 70-61 victory at the Sports Arena.

There were other differences to be sure, but Wolfe was the biggest. He scored most of his points on short jumpers and layups in the key.

It wasn’t that Whittier Christian had no one to defend him, they did. It was just that every time the Roadrunners needed a basket or a rebound Wolfe was there.

Todd Morrison, the Heralds’ 6-7 senior center, held his own against Wolfe, scoring a team-high 19 points.

But Whittier Christian trailed early on, something that has not happened in any of its previous 25 games--all victories. The Heralds were down, 17-10, at the end of the first quarter.

“Our kids have fought back before, but it’s been a while,” said Whittier Christian Coach Bill Cuccia. “Crossroads’ ability showed weaknesses that haven’t been exposed all year.”

Experience may have been a factor in that regard. The Roadrunners (20-7) have advanced to the finals five seasons in a row. Whittier Christian started four underclassmen. Guard Mike Goodcase was the only returning starter.

“We’ve all been there before . . . the seniors for four years,” said Roadrunner Coach Elliot Turret. “We had the confidence to run up and down the court. They like to run, too. But they don’t run the way we do with the athletes we have.”

And when Morrison fouled out with 4:41 left in the game, the Heralds’ spirit broke.

Crossroads led, 57-52, at that point, but just two minutes later the Roadrunners pushed it to 64-54 on a follow shot by guard Keith Davis.

Whittier Christian never got close thereafter.