San Diego High School Basketball Roundup : Morse Defense Too Much for Mira Mesa, 76-44

On display Friday night was the Morse High School basketball team’s nearly unstoppable fast break, its quickness and even its rarely seen outside shooting ability.

But it was Morse’s smothering defense that led the Tigers (11-1) to their 76-44 victory over Mira Mesa (12-3) in the City Eastern League opener for both teams at Morse.

Morse is 11-1. Mira Mesa is 12-3.

The Morse defense was simple and effective: A Mira Mesa player would attempt to drive only to be met by at least three Morse defenders. In a blur of thrashing arms and legs, the basketball often would bounce loose.

“A total team defense was the key,” Morse Coach Ron Davis said. “We want to play a tough, aggressive defense. I want all five guys in on the play . . . everybody has to be moving.”

Rey Parson, a 5-foot 9-inch guard, paced the Morse defense with 21 steals, including 7 in the second period.

“We look to try to force a lot of turnovers,” Parson said. “Our game is trap and run.”

Morse’s ball-hawking defense also resulted in 17 fouls. However, Mira Mesa, which seemed never to have the time to set and shoot from the floor, was 10 of 21 from the free-throw line.

Willie Davis led all scorers with 17 points, including four field goals from 18 feet or more in the final two minutes. Scott Cummings had 12 for Mira Mesa.