Even Bonds’ Presence Can’t Help as Saugus Defeats Hart Again

Two weeks ago in the Simi Valley tournament, Saugus High defeated Hart, 90-68, for its first win over its Santa Clarita Valley rival in three seasons.

On Friday night, Hart traveled to Saugus with revenge on its mind--and two players who were absent from the tournament loss.

Unfortunately for the Indians, Chris Chouinard and standout quarterback Jim Bonds were never a factor as Saugus defeated Hart, 59-50, in a nonleague game.

Saugus (6-4) was led by 6-4 Senior Rusty Morse, who scored 19 points and had five rebounds.

“Morse played a great first half--I thought we played a great first half,” said a jovial Saugus Coach John Clark.

Clark also had good things to say about 6-2 Senior Jeff Dorst, who had a team-high 10 rebounds.

“I thought he did a spectacular job,” Clark said. “This was his best game on the boards.”

Before the game, Hart Coach Doug Michelson said, “We don’t want a game in the 80-point range--that’s just not our style.”

Hart played its coach’s style in the first quarter, holding Saugus to only 12 points. But the Indians scored only eight. The Centurions then pulled away, scoring eight unanswered points in the second quarter and led at the half, 30-18.

In the third quarter, Hart (4-5) came within seven points behind the crisp outside shooting of 6-2 Senior Eric Arnold. Arnold had 16 second-half points and wound up with 18.

Bonds, fresh from leading the Hart football team to the Northwestern Conference championship, fouled out in the final quarter and finished with only four points.

“We’re struggling for some recognition and success in the Santa Clarita Valley,” Clark said. “We need to win games.”

Judging by its win over Hart, it looks like recognition is here.