San Diego High School Basketball : Undefeated Morse Beats L.A. Banning, 66-53

The Morse High School boys’ basketball team would like to make a name for itself throughout the state this season. However, for a San Diego-area school to get statewide recognition it has to get past the ever-powerful Los Angeles schools.

Morse took a big step in that direction Friday night with a 66-53 victory over Banning High of Los Angeles at Sweetwater High.

“This is probably the best game we’ve played so far,” Morse Coach Ron Davis said. “We executed well on offense and played pretty tough man-to-man defense.”

Morse (3-0) jumped out to a 17-12 first-quarter lead, increased that margin to 10 points in the second quarter and maintained that advantage in the second half. Marcus Combs and Richard Moore had 13 points each for Morse. Jim Proby had 15 points for Banning (2-1).

Morse plays host to Pasadena Muir (5-1) tonight at 8.

Pasadena Muir 99, Sweetwater 52--Muir expanded a 19-point halftime lead by outscoring Sweetwater, 32-8, in the third quarter at Sweetwater High. Dwight Davis had 16 points and his brother, Dwane, added 10 for Muir. Sweetwater (2-6) was led by sophomore Marcus Carter’s 16 points and freshman Joe McDowell’s 14. Tonight’s game between Sweetwater and Banning has been canceled because Banning is unable to return to San Diego. CIF rules state that a team can spend the night out of town only if it is involved in a tournament. Instead, Sweetwater will play Madison at 6 p.m. at Morse High.

Tournaments

MITCHELL

Torrey Pines 54, El Centro High 52 (OT)--Tom Underwood sank a 23-footer at the buzzer to give Torrey Pines the overtime victory at Torrey Pines High. Mike Radcliffe paced Torrey Pines (7-0) with 19 points. Thomas Bigsby had 18 for El Centro High.

Oceanside 54, Orange Glen 41--A series of fast breaks provided Oceanside with a 25-18 advantage at the half at Torrey Pines High. Junior Seau, who camped under the basket most of the game, paced Oceanside with 20 points. Steve Clinger led Orange Glen with 15.

Yuma High 60, Escondido 46--Yuma was boosted by its shooting from the line, hitting 14 of 16 in the first half at Torrey Pines High. Yuma’s Scott Johnson led all scorers with 26 points. Greg Feik paced Escondido (4-3) with 12 points.

Las Vegas High 67, Hoover 55--Hoover’s Joe Velasquez scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half but it wasn’t enough to overcome Las Vegas at Torrey Pines High. Eric White paced Las Vegas with 24 points. Hoover is 3-4.

Newport Harbor 72, Vista 42--Newport Harbor made 10 of its first 14 shots and took advantage of 24 Vista turnovers in the first-round game at San Dieguito High. “We played as bad a game as we’ve played all season,” said Vista Coach Randy Wiens, whose team made 4 of its 17 first-quarter shots. Drew Sheward scored 15 points and John Alstrom added 13 for Newport Harbor, which made 22 of 29 foul shots compared to Vista’s 12 of 25. Vista (4-2) was led by Brian Haley’s 10 points. Mike Fleming and Tony Trusett added 8 points each.

San Marcos 77, San Clemente 55--San Marcos dominated on the inside for the victory at San Dieguito High. Mike Peyroux paced San Marcos (4-2) with 16 points.

San Dieguito 59, San Pasqual 29--San Dieguito’s fast-break offense overwhelmed San Pasqual at San Dieguito. Chris Bahr paced San Dieguito (5-2) with 18 points. San Dieguito led 33-16 at the half.

GROSSMONT

Mount Miguel 65, Helix 33--An early full-court press enabled Mount Miguel to take a 20-4 lead after the first period at Mount Miguel. Helix, confused by the Mount Miguel press, committed 19 turnovers. Mount Miguel (2-2, 4-3) led by 20 points most of the first half. Helix, which is winless in league play, outscored the Matadors, 13-6, in the third period but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 34-23 lead. Mount Miguel’s Gus Lopes led all scorers with 16 points.

Granite Hills 51, Grossmont 36--Granite Hills took advantage of Grossmont’s inability to hit from the line for the victory at Granite Hills. Grossmont hit only 14 of 24 from the line. Granite Hills held a 33-18 lead at intermission. Shawn Ruff paced Granite Hills with 14 points. Tom Aland had 14 for Grossmont (1-2, 3-3).

Girls

GROSSMONT

Santana 54, El Cajon 27--Santana sealed the inside, holding El Cajon to three points in the third period, en route to the Grossmont League victory at El Cajon High. Leslie Ellis and Barbara Bennett each scored 22 points for Santana.