Second-Half Surge Vaults Hart Into Tournament Final

Hart High outscored Simi Valley by 21 points in the second half to run away with a 61-38 semifinal victory in the 11th Simi Valley girls’ basketball tournament at Simi Valley High on Wednesday.

Hart forward Nikki Brodowy scored 13 of her 17 points after halftime to get the Indians running after a tight first half. Hart led at intermission, 22-20.

The Indians picked up their offensive and defensive intensity in the third quarter and opened a 13-point lead, 42-29, then gradually increased the margin throughout the remainder of the game.

“People think that since we are a tall team, we can’t run,” Hart Coach Pam Walker said. “Our girls are well-conditioned to turn up the intensity and run when we need to.”

Sara Wilson added 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Hart (10-1).

Shannon Solway paced Simi Valley (5-3) with 14 points.

Hart outrebounded Simi Valley, 45-33, and forced the Pioneers into 28 turnovers.

The victory puts Hart in the championship game at 8 tonight against Santa Clara, a 44-40 winner over five-time defending tournament champion Buena. Simi Valley will play for third-place against Buena at 6.

In other tournament games, Newbury Park trounced Royal, 68-28; Arroyo Grande edged Saugus, 37-32; Ventura routed La Reina, 76-23; and Westlake won by forfeit over Reseda.

Newbury Park (4-6) will meet Arroyo Grande in the consolation championship game at 1:30 this afternoon and Ventura (5-3) will meet Westlake (7-1) in a game to decide fifth place.