Valley Sports Roundup : Rio Mesa Streaks Into First, 78-53

Lester Smith scored a game-high 20 points and Jeff Garner added 19 as Rio Mesa High ended Buena’s Channel League winning streak at 24 games with a 78-53 victory Monday at Rio Mesa.

Rio Mesa (10-3, 3-0 in league play) moved into sole possession of first place with the easy victory.

The Spartans, playing without an injured Eric Thomas, outrebounded Buena, 39-24, and made 25 of 31 free throws. Buena (9-3, 2-1) made only 12 of 28 free throws and committed 21 turnovers.

“It’s the best game we’ve played this year,” Rio Mesa Coach Steve Wolf said.