Garden Grove League : Kennedy Secures Win at the Line, 78-68

Most league coaches expect Kennedy High School to challenge for the Garden Grove League boys’ basketball title this season. The Irish overcame their first hurdle Wednesday with a 78-68 win over La Quinta on the Aztecs’ court in the league opener for both schools.

Kennedy (4-6) connected on 16 of 19 free throws in the fourth quarter to overcome a 48-47 deficit and keep the Aztecs at bay. Michael Pettengill made all eight of his attempts in the last 1:51 as La Quinta (7-4) was forced to foul to stop the clock.

Senior Wendell Lauderdale led Kennedy with 15 points; Michael Keith and Pettengill each added 14.

Kennedy, which was a member of the Empire League last season, shut down La Quinta’s inside threat, Arri Bufford, forcing outside shots from Kenny Bennett and Scott Campbell. Bennett finished with 27 points and Campbell 23. But Bufford, who had been averaging almost 20 points a game, was held to just three free throws and no field goals.

Bolsa Grande 86, Garden Grove 63--The Matadors jumped out to a 22-9 first-quarter lead and were never challenged at Garden Grove. Joe Small scored 21 points and Harry Torikin 17 for Bolsa Grande. Ronnie Rhines and Isidro Maldonado each scored 13 points for the Argonauts (1-7, 0-1).

Los Amigos 60, Pacifica 52--J.J. Jenkins scored 25 points and had 9 rebounds to lead Los Amigos (4-7, 1-0) at home. Guard Carlos Palomino Jr. scored 12 points and had 6 assists. Pacifica had 10 players score, but none in double figures.