HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS : Butler Soars for 37 Points in Oakwood’s 55-33 Win

Mitchell Butler had a head cold Tuesday night, but he also had a hot hand.

The 6-4 sophomore scored 37 points, had 14 rebounds and blocked 6 shots to lead Oakwood High to a 55-33 victory over Templeton in a Southern Section Small Schools Division playoff game at Montclair Prep.

Oakwood (19-5) advances to Friday’s quarterfinal against Big Pine, a 69-60 winner over Ribet on Tuesday.

Butler, who hit 14 of 23 shots, didn’t just soar with the Eagles of Templeton (14-6), he soared above them, scoring on offensive rebounds, on baseline jumpers and on an assortment of power moves to the basket.

Butler had 20 points by halftime, leading Oakwood to a 27-24 advantage. It was the Oakwood defense that took over in the second half, limiting Templeton to only nine points. Templeton scored just four points in the third period, as Oakwood assumed a 43-28 lead heading into the final quarter. Templeton took just five shots in the third period, hitting two, and turned the ball over seven times. The Eagles finished with 19 turnovers and shot just 33%--only 20% in the second half.

Junior guard Eric Leddel had 11 assists, 8 rebounds and 8 points for Oakwood.

Phil James led Templeton with 12 points, but hit only six of 20 shots, due in part to the hawking defense of Oakwood’s Scott Marshall.