FULLERTON BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT : Western’s Play Matches Record

Western High School faced its toughest test Friday night, and for the first time this season, it looked like a team that belonged among Orange County’s elite.

The Pioneers smothered Cerritos, 56-48, in the final of the Fullerton tournament to remain undefeated. But this was more than just another of their eight victories.

Western has had little trouble through previous games but against questionable competition. But Friday, the Pioneers beat a team considered a favorite in the San Gabriel Valley League.

“This was the best a Western team has looked in eight years,” Coach Greg Hoffman said. “I don’t think we have ever beaten a quality opponent like Cerritos.”

What makes Cerritos so tough is 6-foot-8 forward Mark Flick, who has signed a letter of intent to play at UC Santa Barbara.

In the semifinals Thursday, Flick beat Buena Park almost by himself, with 24 points and 15 rebounds in a 42-37 victory.

Flick lived up to his billing in the first half Friday with 12 points and six rebounds, and Cerritos led at halftime, 28-27.

But he was not a factor in the second half.

Hoffman used 6-1 guard Steve Siefken to defend Flick in the third quarter. Siefken denied him the ball, holding him to two points until the final two minutes.

“Flick is 6-8, but he plays like he’s 6-1 or 6-2,” Hoffman said. “He likes to dribble to the basket, and he doesn’t post up much. Siefken did a great job of keeping him outside.”

With their star neutralized, the Dons looked confused, and that was like waving a red cape in front of the Pioneers, a team that prides itself on pressure defense.

Western forced 5 turnovers in the second half and also drew six charging fouls.

“There’s no doubt our pressure defense won it for us,” Hoffman said. “Our kids wanted it more.”

Western took control early in the fourth quarter. With his team leading, 41-36, Tom Barraza scored five consecutive points, and Steve Kim made a layup for a 12-point lead.

That forced the Dons (7-3) to pick up the pace, which led to more easy baskets by Western. Chris Jackson, who scored 10 points, made three steals in the fourth quarter, all of which led to points.

In the third-place game:

Fullerton 53, Buena Park 52--Fullerton, which trailed for most of the, outscored Buena Park, 10-2, during the final two minutes. Chris Hartshom, who scored 11 points, gave the Indians their first lead when he scored off a rebound with 20 seconds left.

Buena Park had three two chances to win. P.J. Johnson, who scored 15 points, missed a 10-foot jumper with eight seconds left, but the Coyotes maintained possession. Angel Barrios and Chris Stone missed five-foot shots in the final three seconds.

Buena Park (5-4) held Fullerton scoreless for the first 5:26 of the second half and led, 39-32, at the end of the third quarter. Buena Park was still ahead by seven with 2:24 left before Fullerton made its run. Craig Olson scored 22 points for Fullerton (4-5).

In the consolation final:

La Mirada 74, Garden Grove 53--Chris Linde scored 27 points, Kelly Hambrick 19 and Todd Koeniz 16 for La Mirada.

In a consolation game:

Sonora 75, Los Amigos 57--James Cannaday scored 20 and Chris St. Clair 19 for Sonora.