Simi Valley Edges Fountain Valley

Three free throws in the final 24 seconds helped Simi Valley High School defeat Fountain Valley, 59-58, in a second-round Southern Section 5-AA playoff game Friday at Fountain Valley.

Tim Jaqua, who was fouled by Fountain Valley’s Eric Zellner in the final 10 seconds, hit one of two free throws to clinch the victory for Simi Valley (19-8).

Guy Vaccaro, a sophomore up from junior varsity, sank a three-point basket with 32 seconds left to bring Fountain Valley within a point. Steve Carnes hit two free throws with 24 seconds remaining to give Simi Valley a 58-55 lead. After Jaqua’s free throw, Derrick Corcoran made a final-second three-point basket for Fountain Valley.

“We’ll take the win and get out of here as quick as we can,” Simi Valley Coach Dean Bradshaw said.

Simi Valley led, 37-29, at halftime. Eight turnovers in the third quarter, however, allowed Fountain Valley to outscore the Pioneers, 13-8. And Fountain Valley missed nine consecutive attempts before Corcoran scored on a three-pointer midway through the quarter.

“Our turnovers (13 in the second half, 15 total) swung the momentum Fountain Valley’s way,” Bradshaw said.

Fountain Valley Coach Gordon Billingsley believed the outcome might have been different had the Barons played better defense during a key stretch.

“We didn’t play well in the second quarter and our defense was lax, we weren’t denying Simi’s position,” Billingsley said. “Our press improved in the third quarter and our defense took their ball away, but Simi hit some good one-and-one’s (10 of 14) in the stretch to win.”

Mike Merli led Fountain Valley (12-14) with 18 points. Corcoran, with three three-pointers, finished with 15.

Steve Carnes and Mike Wawryk each had 23 points for Simi Valley.