Injury to Schwan Hurts South Effort in 111-83 All-Star Loss

Kurt Schwan ended his high school playing career with a memory he could have done without.

Schwan, a 6-foot-9 center from Westlake High, suffered a gash under his right eye midway through the second period of the Ventura County All-Star basketball game Friday night at Ventura High and did not return.

Despite Schwan’s absence, the South team staged a spirited second-half comeback only to fade in the closing minutes of the North’s 111-83 victory.

After trailing, 50-32, at halftime, the South outscored the North, 32-21, in the third period to close within seven points. The South closed to within 71-69 on a basket by Jeff Marciano of Simi Valley with 9:01 to play.

In the closing minutes, however, the South missed the sure shooting of Schwan, who will attend Weber State in the fall. Schwan, who averaged more than 20 points during the season, had only four. After nearly losing its lead, the North regained control by outscoring the South, 16-2, to take an 87-71 lead with 5:11 left. The North outscored the South, 40-19, in the fourth quarter.

Marciano led the South 24 points. Jason Hunt of Camarillo had 12 and Mike Waggoner of Westlake added 11.

Bubba Burrage of Santa Clara led all scorers with 24 points and was one of four North players in double figures. Jeff Garner of Rio Mesa had 23, Art Santana of Santa Clara had 11 and Lester Smith of Rio Mesa had 10.

In the girls’ game, Joannie Weinerth and Marci Ewin of Buena, who each scored a game-high 23 points, led the North to a 97-84 victory over the South.

The North held a commanding 55-33 halftime lead, but the South rallied to within seven points with 4:13 left. The North outscored the South, 14-8, in the waning minutes to clinch the win.