Paint Is the Place for San Fernando in 1st-Round Win

San Fernando High established the paint as its place of business in a 75-74 win over Quartz Hill on Saturday in the first round of the Hart tournament at Hart High.

Quartz Hill Coach Don Moore flatly admitted that his team was intimidated after watching the Tigers drive uncontested through the lane for baskets and clean the offensive boards.

Tory Stephens scored the game-winner on a two-foot shot with 11 seconds to go after driving the lane. San Fernando advances to the second round Monday against Crescenta Valley. Quartz Hill (6-3) meets Alemany.

“In the first quarter we were intimidated,” Moore said. “We gave them too many second shots.”

Before Stephens put the game away, Gabe Higa had made a two-foot shot with 33 seconds left to give Quartz Hill its only lead of the game at 74-73.

San Fernando (4-3) led, 61-55, after three quarters on the strength of its offensive rebounding and the persistent shooting of Stephens, who scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

But early in the fourth quarter, San Fernando lost its shooting touch and connected on just 6 of 21 shots.

“We were pressing at the end,” San Fernando Coach Dick Crowell said. “Our shots left us.”

Crescenta Valley 56, Alemany 49--Crescenta Valley broke to a 14-6 first-quarter lead. Alemany’s Jon Beauchemin had 18 points and Dave Berganio added 13.

Rio Mesa 61, Antelope Valley 41--Rio Mesa held Antelope Valley to one point in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Eric Thomas scored 23 points for Rio Mesa, which meets Beverly Hills on Monday.

Beverly Hills 47, Notre Dame 44--Despite 19 points by Bruce Heicke, Notre Dame dropped to the consolation bracket. The Knights play Antelope Valley on Monday.

Burroughs (B) 68, Hueneme 63 (OT)--Burroughs forward Dan Murphy scored 26 points, including four in overtime.

Saugus 41, Marshall 38--Jason Harrison hit two free throws with 32 seconds left for Saugus, which faces Burroughs on Monday. Marshall meets Hueneme.

Hart 76, Palmdale 56--Darren Hinman scored 16 points and Steve Valenzuela and Brett Wilson each added 12 points for Hart.

St. Francis 59, Canyon 44--Aaron Villegas scored 22 points to lead St. Francis into the second round against Hart. Chris Schmitt scored 15 to lead Canyon, which faces Palmdale on Monday.