Santa Clara Rolls to 78-54 Victory in 2-A Showdown

Santa Clara High School rode a 16-2 scoring spree in the second quarter to a 78-54 victory over Orange Lutheran Saturday in the Southern Section 2-A division boys’ championship game in the Sports Arena.

The Saints (23-3) shot 57% from the field and limited Orange Lutheran to its lowest scoring output of the season with pressure man-to-man defense.

Santa Clara made 19 of 30 attempts in the first half and led, 45-22, at halftime. Center Bubba Burrage made three straight shots as the Saints opened a 35-17 lead midway through the second quarter, and Orange Lutheran never recovered.

Orange Lutheran (23-4) had averaged 84.6 points per game, but forward Daryl Cole was the only starter who played well. Cole scored 22 points, but center Pat Bagatourian was held to 13 points.

The Lancers shot only 32% after averaging 55% all season. Bagatourian, a 62% shooter, made only two of 10 shots.

Santa Clara’s 6-foot-5 junior forward Shon Tarver led all scorers with 23 points, making 10 of 17 shots. He also blocked three shots.