Ventura Tops Newbury Park by Shutting Down Cook

Forward Harvey Jones scored 17 points and guard Nate Hantgin added 15 to lead Ventura High past Newbury Park, 62-52, in a semifinal game of the Ventura boys’ basketball tournament Thursday night at Ventura High.

Ventura, the two-time defending tournament champion, will meet Buena in the final for the third consecutive season at 8 tonight.

Newbury Park (8-2) kept pace with the taller and faster Cougars throughout the first half and trailed only 29-24 at halftime.

Ventura (5-3) broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Panthers, 18-7.

Ventura Coach Roy Gilmore told his team before the fourth quarter, “Do not let Cook get off, that is the key to winning this game.”

Gilmore was referring to Newbury Park forward Wayne Cook, who was held in check until he hit his first field goal of the night with 5:42 remaining.

Tim Lane led Panther scorers with 12 points on 4 3-point baskets. Cook finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Newbury Park will play Oxnard in the third-place game at 6:30 tonight.

In another tournament game:

Camarillo 66, Channel Islands 51--Behind 21 points by David Harbour and 16 by Rick Schnell, Camarillo (7-3) advanced to the consolation championship at 5 tonight against the Ventura JV.