ARC Future Stars Showdown : Strong Front Line Keeps San Fernando in Form, 89-72

Entering Thursday’s second round of pool play, the word was out on the San Fernando Valley team.

And the word was tough.

As in tough to beat, given a front line that features 6-7 forward Tracy Murray of Glendora, 6-6 swingman Mitchell Butler of Oakwood and 6-7 forward Danny Griffin of Crenshaw.

San Fernando lived up to the advance billing, coasting to an 89-72 victory, although San Jose threw a mild scare into the odds-on tournament favorite late in the fourth quarter. After trailing by 20 points in the middle of the third quarter, San Jose closed the gap to nine.

Ok, a very mild scare.

Murray led San Fernando with 35 points and Butler finished with 23.

San Jose, armed with a massive front line of its own that measured 6-10, 6-8 and 6-7, was led by Sean Colter’s 15 points.

Butler provided spectacular offense for San Fernando, including a third-quarter dunk in traffic that delighted the crowd of 200 at Notre Dame High.

Murray, who also led San Fernando with 30 points Wednesday in a 97-41 first-round win over Reno, made three 3-pointers to go with a number of mid-range jump shots.

San Fernando closes out pool play tonight at 7:30 against the Bahamas. The championship will be played Saturday night.vl,3

In another second-round game, Mid-Valley improved to 2-0 in pool play by routing South Los Angeles, 90-56.vl,3

Mid-Valley was led by Askia Jones (22 points), Craig Handschu (20) and Brian Jones (18).