Hart Unable to Supply Heroics : Valenzuela’s Last-Second Shot Fails in 67-64 Loss to Burbank

The last time Burbank High played Hart, Burbank’s leading scorer, Mark Nielsen, hit a three-point jump shot at the buzzer to win the game.

In the rematch, Hart’s leading scorer, Steve Valenzuela, found himself with a similar opportunity. Unfortunately for Hart, Valenzuela’s three-point attempt with two seconds left bounced off the rim and Burbank won a spine-tingling Foothill League game, 67-64, Thursday night at Burbank.

“Everybody in the gym knew they were going to Valenzuela,” Burbank Coach John Downum said. “We doubled off him, and he had to force the shot.”

Valenzuela, who averages 19 points a game, was held to seven points, but his off night did not alter Hart’s plan in the waning seconds.

“Steve wasn’t hitting all night, but he’s our guy,” Coach Greg Herrick said.

With the score tied, 64-64, Burbank’s Dan Fairman made the front end of a one-and-one free-throw situation with 18 seconds left. Hart’s Rusty Fotheringham was fouled on the rebound but missed a free throw with 17 seconds to play.

On Burbank’s ensuing trip downcourt, Russell Warner was fouled by Phil Briones. Warner made two free throws with 11 seconds left to seal the win.

“Warner’s just like ice out there. We knew he’d make them,” Downum said.

Burbank (12-8, 4-2 in league play) is in third place, two games ahead of Hart (10-8, 2-4).

Hart probably will have to win the rest of its games to make the playoffs.

Herrick, who is in his first year at Hart after winning two City Section 3-A Division titles at Cleveland several years ago, is not making any promises.

“People think I’m a magician, because I had a couple good years at Cleveland,” Herrick said. “I’m playing with another man’s team.

“We made some critical mistakes in the last couple of minutes. How many mistakes does it take to cost you a three-point game?”