Orange County : PREP BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : 2-A : Laguna Hills Falls to Blair

Laguna Hills High School had four excellent chances to send its Southern Section 2-A boys’ basketball playoff game against Blair into overtime Friday night.

But it failed each time, and lost, 49-47, at Pasadena.

Although his team missed three layups in the final minute, Laguna Hills Coach Joe Reid was most upset about a basket interference call with 19 seconds left.

When Laguna Hills guard Rick Kawada missed a layup, 6-foot 6-inch forward Mike Smedes tipped the ball into the basket for an apparent 49-49 tie. But officials quickly disallowed the basket, citing interference.

“You don’t see that call all year,” Reid said. “My guy (Smedes) can’t even get up that high to touch the ball. I feel we got homered the whole time tonight.”

Still, Laguna Hills had the ball with 13 seconds left, but Beau Hossler missed a three-point shot and Kawada missed a layup as time expired.

Laguna Hills finished the season 16-10 overall and 4-2 under Reid, who took over the team midway through South Coast League play.

Chris Sheff led Laguna Hills with 20 points and Kyle Roberts added 11. Derrick Cooper led Blair (16-8) with 20 points.