Dos Pueblos Defeats Estancia With Defense, Free Throws

The last time Dos Pueblos High School traveled south to Orange County, it won a Southern Section championship--but just barely.

Thursday night at Estancia High School, Dos Pueblos won again, defeating Estancia, 63-57, in a Southern California Regional Division III semifinal game.

Dos Pueblos’ margin of victory was only six points, but this victory was one of domination.

Utilizing many strengths, Dos Pueblos (18-13) earned a trip to Saturday’s Division III championship game at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, where it will meet Servite, a 41-39 winner over Corona del Mar Thursday night.

Two weeks ago, Dos Pueblos beat Corona del Mar on a last-second shot in overtime for the 3-AA title. In that game, played at the Bren Center in Irvine, Dos Pueblos--an at-large entry from the Channel League--played strong at times, but at other times was quite skittish.

But Thursday night, Dos Pueblos showed few weaknesses. Although it never led by more than 11 points, the Chargers always seemed to do the right thing at the right time.

Leading 59-54 with 40 seconds remaining, Dos Pueblos remained poised and in control. Mark Estabrook and Ken Ardouin made both ends of one-and-ones to give the Chargers a 63-54 edge with 12 seconds to go, and Estancia’s three-pointer by Adrian Trujillo wasn’t enough. “We got beat by a very good, physical team,” Estancia Coach Tim O’Brien said. “Every comeback attempt we made, they made a big hoop.

“Their first half was as good as any team has played against us. I knew we were in trouble then.”

Trouble seemed to plague Estancia (21-10) from the beginning. At the free-throw line, where the Eagles usually excel, Estancia made just one of five in the first half, and six of 10 for the game.

In contrast, Dos Pueblos--nine of 10 in the first half, 27 of 35 for the game--excelled at the line, drawing fouls everywhere they dribbled.

“They just lived off the foul line,” O’Brien said.

Dos Pueblos also dominated defensively, using its considerable height advantage with a 2-3 zone. The player who was most affected by Dos Pueblos’ defense was Agustin Heredia, who was limited to 12 points.

Dos Pueblos also forced 17 turnovers, including seven in the second quarter.

Chris Gaines scored 22 points to lead Dos Pueblos.