Ziegler Zeros In, Henry Falls

Marc Ziegler’s head was clear Friday night. Just one thing to think about . . . basketball.

So, in the last game of the regular season, he did a few nice things for Mira Mesa (17-8, 6-2) and a few not-so-nice things to third-ranked Patrick Henry.

He scored a game-high 25 points. He grabbed 12 rebounds. And he picked his spots perfectly, which resulted in a 70-67 Mira Mesa victory that sent visiting Patrick Henry (21-4, 7-1) home with its first City Eastern League loss and a few frowns.

When these teams met the first time this season, Ziegler’s head was filled with thoughts of football recruiting trips. He plays tight end in the fall. That, coupled with Patrick Henry’s fiery shooting, was enough to boost the Patriots to an easy victory. Ziegler was held to 10 points. Friday was different.

“I felt I had a bad game that time,” said Ziegler, a 6-5 center. “I got more fired up for this one. I think we earned their respect.”

If so, it was earned after the third quarter.

Patrick Henry built a 35-28 halftime lead. Forward Jason Lonsdale scored 10 points in the first half for the Patriots, who pulled away after trailing, 18-17 early.

Ziegler came out swinging after halftime, scoring the first six points of the third quarter on a short jumper, a six-foot bank and a layin. That started a 16-3 run, which ended midway through the quarter with Mira Mesa leading, 44-38.

Mira Mesa kept pressure on until the final minutes with a steady and tireless defense. But, while the Marauders were exchanging high fives and waving their fists in the air, Patrick Henry decided to make things interesting.

It happened this way: Mira Mesa led 68-58. Patrick Henry’s Ross Edwards got the ball and shot. Three points. Mira Mesa missed a free throw. Edwards made two free throws, cutting Mira Mesa’s lead to 68-63.

After another Mira Mesa missed free throw, Edwards scored on a layup. Suddenly things were interesting.

“Was I concerned?” said Mira Mesa Coach Tim Cunningham, repeating the question. “I couldn’t believe it. We felt that any one of their kids could drop in a three-pointer.”

Patrick Henry’s John Pike got his chance at the buzzer, but the shot clanked off the rim and Mira Mesa had its upset.