Nonleague Roundup : Woodbridge Turns It On to Beat Sea Kings, 64-46

Woodbridge High School overcame a strong man-to-man defense Friday night to defeat Corona del Mar, 64-46, in a nonleague boys’ basketball game at Woodbridge.

The Warriors (8-5), who led at halftime, 23-21, outscored the Sea Kings, 20-12, in the third quarter.

Woodbridge relied on its usual strength, center Adam Keefe, who scored a game-high 27 points and had 16 rebounds. But another key to the victory was the Warriors’ defense, especially in the second half when it shut down the Sea Kings’ perimeter shooting.

“I know Corona has had that (defensive pressure) from the beginning of time,” Warrior Coach Bill Shannon said. “But I think our defense was really strong tonight.”

The Sea Kings were frustrated both inside and out in the second half. Corona del Mar guard Geoff Probst, who was held to a team-high 12 points, was kept in check most of the third and fourth quarters.

At the same time, Woodbridge came alive, going inside to Keefe and outside to whomever was open.

Three minutes into the third quarter, guard Robb Lee hit a three-point shot that started a 10-point Warrior run.

With 4:25 remaining in the third quarter, Keefe drove inside for a slam. Fifty seconds later, Robb Lee hit a three-pointer to give the Warriors a 37-27 lead.

Corona del Mar could not answer.

“We have nothing to hang our heads about,” Sea King Coach Paul Orris said. “No one can say we lost to an average basketball team.”

Corona del Mar (9-5) had only one player other than Probst score in double figures. Matt Herrington scored 10.

Along with Keefe, Robb Lee (14 points) and Rob Lee (11) led the Warriors.

“This was a good tune-up game for us,” said Shannon, whose team faces Trabuco Hills in next week’s Pacific Coast League opener. “I think we had a little too much strength inside for them, and more defense than they expected.”