BOYS’ DIVISION V BASKETBALL PREVIEW : Christian Chances Begin, End With Clark

Christian High Coach Randy Wright promises no gimmicks on offense against Calipatria in the San Diego Section Division V boys’ championship basketball game this morning at 11:30 at Golden Hall.

“We’re not too complicated,” he said.

Christian’s offense begins and usually ends with Tony Clark, the state’s leading scorer at more than 44 points a game.

In Christian’s three playoff games, Clark has averaged 50 points, including a section record 64-point performance last week. In Wednesday’s 57-50 semifinal victory over Bishop’s, Clark scored 40.

What kind of defense does Wright expect Calipatria to play against Clark?

“We’ve seen it all this year,” he said. “We’re ready for anything.”

Wright said he has felt a lot better since off guard Brad Fox returned from a thigh injury that caused him to miss more than half the season.

“He’s the glue that holds us together,” he said. “He also gives us another threat on offense.”

Since Fox returned to the lineup a month ago, Christian (15-11) has lost only to St. Augustine and Kearny, both Division III quarterfinalists.

Wright said Christian has also been getting fine play from forward David Piester, who had nine points against Bishop’s.

Top-seeded Calipatria (21-3) advanced to the finals by defeating Marian, 47-39, in the semifinals. Raul Novarro was the team’s leading scorer with a 15-point average.