Marinovich Lifts Capistrano Valley

Capistrano Valley High School spotted Downey an 11-3 first-quarter lead, but the Cougars, sparked by Todd Marinovich’s 25 points, came back for a 68-50 victory in the second round of the Southern Section 4-A boys’ basketball playoffs Tuesday night at Downey.

Marinovich, who scored 21 points in the Cougars’ 90-61 first-round victory over Palm Springs last week, made five three-point shots in the game.

Capistrano Valley (24-4) advances to Friday’s quarterfinals, in which it will play Diamond Bar at a site to be determined today.

Charles Lockard scored 14 points and Scott McCorkle 12 for Capistrano Valley, the South Coast League champion.

Todd Hammond had 21 points to lead Downey (16-9).

Downey took the early lead on three straight three-pointers and a Hammond layup. Marinovich then scored nine straight points, including a three-pointer from the corner.

Capistrano Valley led, 14-11, at the end of the first quarter, and 30-19 at halftime.

Except for one basket by Steve McCaughey, all of Capistrano Valley’s points were scored by its starters.