Santa Ana Center Bobby Joyce Is Suspended

Bobby Joyce, the Santa Ana High School center who averaged 19.8 points in the Irvine World News Tournament last week, has been suspended by Saint Coach Greg Coombs and will not participate in the Orange Tournament that begins Friday in Chapman College’s Hutton Sports Center.

Coombs disciplined Joyce because of an incident after the Saints’ 65-54 loss to San Ramon in the semifinals of the Irvine Tournament last Friday.

The two game officials were reportedly locked in the dressing room after the game when a soft-drink vending machine was put in front of the door.

“All the evidence points to the fact that Bobby was involved,” Coombs said. “We’ve worked very hard to improve the image of Santa Ana High and when one individual tarnishes that image he has to be disciplined.

“Bobby won’t play in the Orange Tournament, and then we’ll evaluate the situation after the holidays. We’ve stuck behind him for three years, and he let the team down.”

Last season, Joyce was suspended for one game for fighting.

Two weeks ago, guard Scootie Lynwood was dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons. Both Joyce and Lynwood are rated among the top 25 players in Orange County.