HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SAUGUS TOURNAMENT : Hart Falters Fundamentally in 57-52 Loss to La Canada

Hart High failed to get a grasp of the fundamentals Friday night and the result was a 57-52 loss to La Canada in the semifinals of the Saugus tournament.

Indian Coach Greg Herrick viewed his team’s failure in the basics with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

“What kind of defense did we play?” Herrick asked. “How many foul shots did we make? How many rebounds did we get? None. Other than that, I guess we played great.”

The dismal numbers for Hart (1-1) included 12 turnovers, being outrebounded by the smaller Spartans, 28-24, converting only two of 12 free throws (17%) and allowing La Canada (2-0) to drive the lane throughout the game.

Despite its poor play, Hart never trailed by more than seven points and battled back to a 40-40 tie on a basket by senior forward Ali Peek with 1 minute 55 seconds left in the third period.

Peek also was fouled but his free throw, which could have given Hart its first lead since the opening basket, clanged off the rim.

Peek misfired on three free throws and Chris Hoagland missed the front end of a one and one in the final four minutes when Hart trailed by only three points.

The 6-foot-5 Peek had a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds. Center Erik Stephens added 12 points and Matt Steffe had 11. Hart will play Canyon tonight at 6:30.

In the other semifinal game:

Saugus 59, Canyon 51--Senior guard Josh Hinrichs scored a game-high 28 points to send the Centurions into the championship game.

Saugus’ Steve Tampus (20 points) picked up a loose ball and drove the length of the court to score with 17 seconds left to seal the victory for Saugus (2-0).

The game was delayed for more than five minutes when forward Chad Phillips of Canyon (1-1) fell hard on his ankle and had to be helped from the court.

Cowboy Coach Greg Hayes said that he thought the ankle was broken and that Phillips told him he heard a loud snap when he fell.