Girls’ Basketball Playoffs : Newport Christian Goes 0 for 10 From Line, Loses, 38-34

Kim Kunkel sank two free throws with 50 seconds remaining to help Hesperia Christian High School clinch a 38-34 victory over Newport Christian in a Small Schools Division girls’ basketball quarterfinal game at Newport Christian.

The victory advances Heperia Christian (17-5), which finished second in the Christian League, to Wednesday’s semifinals, where it will face Trona at a site to be determined. Newport Christian, the Academy League runner-up, finishes at 15-6 after defeating top-seeded Rio Hondo Prep Tuesday, 35-33.

Newport Christian’s inability to shoot free throws proved the difference. The Conquerors were 0 for 10 from the line, and Hesperia Christian converted 12 of 16.

Newport Christian’s sophomore guard, Katiman Malek, had a game-high 18 points and 7 rebounds. Kunkel led Heperia Christian’s with 13 points, eight in the second half.

After trailing, 22-18, at halftime, Newport Christian outscored the Patriots, 12-6, in the third quarter for a 30-28 advantage. However, Kunkel’s play in the fourth quarter sparked the Patriots’ comeback. Kunkel scored six in the final four minutes, including the two free-throws that sealed the victory.

“We lost the game at the free-throw line,” said Jerry Ternes, Newport Christian coach. “We’ve come a long way after finishing 3-15 last year. I’m proud of the way these girls played, even though we didn’t win tonight.”

In the 3-A quarterfinals:

Capistrano Valley 71, Schurr 69 (OT)--Peggy Rivas, a reserve guard, made a basket with 26 seconds left in overtime to clinch the victory for Capistrano Valley at Schurr. Heather Schoeny had 19 points and Holly Anderson 15 points and 27 rebounds for Capistrano Valley (21-6), which plays Los Altos in the semifinals Tuesday. Cameron Inouye scored 24 points for Schurr, including a three-pointer at the buzzer that sent the game into overtime, 67-67.

In the 2-A quarterfinals:

Woodbridge 64, St. Mary’s 61--Randee Mahony scored 21 points to lead the Warriors back from an 11-point, third-quarter deficit at St. Mary’s in Inglewood.

St. Mary’s led, 34-29, at halftime, then scored the first six points of the third quarter. Woodbridge rallied and with two seconds remaining had a one-point lead. Kathy Millat made two free throws to clinch the victory. Angie Hubner added 11 points and 10 rebounds for Woodbridge (24-5).

The Warriors advance to play Ontario in Tuesday’s semifinal round.

Tammy Booker scored 22 points for St. Mary’s (18-9).