SAN DIEGO SECTION BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : 3-A BOYS: Morse vs. Monte Vista

Site--Sports Arena.

Time--8:30 p.m.

Records--Morse 23-2; Monte Vista 19-5.

Last meeting--Morse 79, 64 (December).

Morse outlook--Top-ranked Morse has lost this season to only one San Diego County team, Mira Mesa, 39-38. With its fast-break offense and inside strength, Morse is difficult to control. Guard Rey Parson (5-9) can initiate Morse’s fast break with his defense. Parson, the Eastern League’s player of the year, set a San Diego Section record with 21 steals in a game this season. During the regular season, Morse averaged 70.5 points. Morse Coach Ron Davis has a strong bench, including Jemel Nutt (6-7). Morse won the 3-A title in 1983, with a 51-50 victory over Helix.

Monte Vista outlook--Monte Vista has been the surprise team of a surprising Grossmont League this season. Two Grossmont teams advanced to the semifinals (Monte Vista and Mount Miguel, which lost to Morse). The last time a Grossmont League team played in the final was 1983, when Helix lost to Morse. This is Monte Vista’s first trip to the San Diego Section final since it beat Grossmont in 1971.

Key to the game--Morse’s speed. Peck said Monte Vista must control the tempo to stay close. Morse also has a distinct height advantage. Monte Vista will stay in the perimeters on offense, Peck said. Winne has been successful from outside the key this season, but the Monarchs’ top scorer from long range, Socrates Hattox, severly sprained his ankle before the playoffs and will not suit up tonight. Free throws could also be a factor. In Morse’s loss to Mira Mesa, the Tigers shot only 33% (7 of 21) from the line.