St. Bernard Defeats Rolling Hills, 65-61, for Beverly Hills Title

The spell has been broken.

After four unsuccessful tries, St Bernard finally found a way to beat Rolling Hills. And the Vikings chose a most opportune venue, defeating Rolling Hills, 65-61, in the championship game of the 47th Annual Beverly Hills Invitational.

Until Saturday night at Beverly Hills, the Titans had beaten St. Bernard four consecutive times, the most recent being in the championship of last week’s Pacific Shores tournament. But St. Bernard exorcised some of the ghosts of recent Christmases past with an inspired showing, geared by the inside play of center Ed Stokes and the shooting of Terrell Steen and Juno Armstrong.

Stokes, a 6-10 middleman who can shoot from the outside and fill up the paint, was virtually unstoppable Saturday night, taking control of the game early and refusing to let go. On each end of the court, Stokes was a force, either scoring and rebounding on offense or blocking the shot on defense.

“We knew that we might see Rolling Hills again in the championship and we were ready,” said Stokes who poured in 36 points. “The difference between tonight and last week was that I played my heart out and my teammates helped by getting me the ball.”

St. Bernard Coach Jim McClune said Stokes can make the difference in a ball game and was not surprised that his center finally asserted himself.

“What can you say about a guy like that?” he said. “He’s the difference between me being a good coach and a bad coach. He’s one of the rare ones that come along once in a coach’s lifetime.”

Stokes, who was named the tournament’s MVP, dominated the game at both ends and led the Vikings in every offensive category. Rolling Hills stayed within striking distance and had a chance to win, but a late rally fell just short.

The Titans cut the deficit to 4 points, but a foul sent Stokes to the line. Two free throws later, the game was on ice.

“It was their night tonight,” said Rolling Hills Coach Cliff Warren. “I thought we played pretty well, but they played a little better.”

Steen contributed 16 points, mostly on outside jumpers, for the Vikings, and Armstrong chipped in with 11, including three baskets on offensive rebounds.

John Hardy had 18 points and Ron Dinnel 14. Ross Pier and Steve Clover each had 12.