Southern California Regional Prep Playoffs : Morse, Santa Monica Born to Run

The Morse High School basketball team, which dominated San Diego County this season with its speedy defense, will meet another team known for its quickness, Santa Moncia, in the opening round of the Southern California Regional Division I playoffs at 7:30 tonight in San Diego State’s Peterson Gym.

The winner of tonight’s game advances to the Southern Regional semifinal Thursday night against Fairfax, the state’s No. 1-ranked team, at Santa Monica City College.

Morse (22-2) defeated Monte Vista, 59-51, Saturday night in the Sports Arena to win the San Diego Section 3-A title. Santa Monica (18-9) won the Southern Section 4-A title with a 62-60 victory over Westlake Saturday.

This season, Morse is 1-1 against Los Angeles-area teams, beating Banning and losing to Muir of Pasadena. Last season, Morse beat Banning twice.

Guard Rey Parson, who had nine steals in Saturday’s section championship game, will be a key player for the Tigers, according to Morse Coach Ron Davis. Santa Monica, however, will counter with guard Syrus Yarbrough, who sparked the Santa Monica defense in its victory over Westlake.