HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL : Mira Mesa Rallies to Top Helix

Foad Ahwazi capped a Mira Mesa second-half comeback by making six of six free throws in the final two minutes Friday to give the Marauders a 69-58 victory over Helix in the semifinals of the Baron Optimist boys’ basketball tournament at Bonita Vista High.

Mira Mesa, which made eight of eight foul shots down the stretch, will meet Bonita Vista in the final tonight at 8. Bonita Vista defeated El Capitan, 68-57, in Friday’s other semifinal.

Mira Mesa’s comeback came without the services of its two tallest players. Ryan Cunningham (6-5) and Stacy Butler (6-4) each picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter.

Ramona Rotary Tournament

Ramona 63, Calipatria 51--The Bulldogs improved to 4-3 as Brian Scott led all scorers with 21 points and was five-for-seven from three-point range. Rusty Hoss chipped in 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Santana 77, Melbourne, Aus. 69--The Sultans were outscored, 21-9, in the first quarter but by overtime six Melbourne players had fouled out and one was ejected, leaving just one player--Craig Thomas--left on the floor. The game was called with 1:40 left in overtime, as Santana, playing five-on-one, had outscored the Australians, 8-0. Mark Bennett led Santana with 34 points.

Valhalla Touranment

Valhalla 71, Mt. Miguel 64--Valhalla made 17 of 20 free throws in the fourth quarter to advance to tonight’s championship against Grossmont. Wayne Sippial made three three-pointers and finished with 22 points, and Scott Biddle scored 15 for Valhalla (9-5). Marcos Gallardo and Reggie Jones each finished with 16 points for Mt. Miguel (6-6).

Aztec/Highland Sports Tournament

Christian 61, Castle Park 52--The Trojans (4-5) led by five at halftime but were held to 13 in the second half. Pat Keough had 27 points for Christian (9-2).

El Cajon Valley 51, Marian 37--The Braves jumped out to an 11-4 lead and never looked back. Mike Harris had 19 and Mike Stadler 18 to lead the winners.

Montgomery 27, Hoover 26--Montgomery went into a four-corners offense throughout, and the strategy worked as the Aztecs (3-7) pulled out the narrow victory. After being down, 12-11, at halftime, Hoover went up by as many as five midway through the third quarter, but Montgomery rallied and retook the lead going into the fourth quarter. Montgomery’s Ray Lozano led all scorers with eight points.

Mar Vista 51, West Hills 47--After sinking only seven of 16 free throws in the first three quarters, Mar Vista made eight of 12 down the stretch to preserve the victory. Ray Chairez (16 points) and Shaun Simmons (10) guided the Mariners. Mike Campbell had 11 for West Hills.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: Ben Fisher Memorial Tournament

Poway 73, San Pasqual 30--Top-ranked Poway raced to a 45-18 halftime lead then coasted into tonight’s final against Point Loma. The Titans (8-2) had four players in double-figure scoring--Kara Milling (22), Allison Brady (15), Jamie Shadian (13) and Stephanie Guerena (10). Milling added 10 rebounds, Guerena nine and Brady eight.

Point Loma 52, Monte Vista 32--Point Loma (10-0) advanced to the final behind Sharinda Hunter (20 points) and Lisa Griego (16 points, eight assists).

Point Loma 65, Granite Hills 19--Earlier, Point Loma won a game which had been postponed from Thursday because of a power outage.

Rancho Buena Vista 51, Granite Hills 29--Dottie Feeney finished with 18 points, Jenny Harris 13, and Tori Anderson 10 as the Longhorns improved to 6-5.

Ramona Rotary Tournament

Kearny 64, West Hills 53--Melissa Krause (21 points), Shelli Krause (14), Shona Jones (14) and Michele Haines (13) scored all but two of Kearny’s points. Erin Tarver (20), Trisha Montgomery (20) and Candi Beacom (12) had all but one of West Hills’ total.

University City 61, Melbourne 50--Jenny Gross (19 points) led University City into tonight’s championship against Kearny.

Castle Park 48, Ramona 47--After Charity Hoxel scored the go-ahead basket with 45 seconds left, Ramona (0-8) missed a layup with five seconds left. Delores Odom led the Trojans with 21 points. Jennifer Andreacchi had 16 for Ramona.

Aztec/Highland Tournament

Christian 54, Montgomery 33--Christian advanced to tonight’s championship against Central Union by getting 24 points from Tiffany Stutz. Shalonda Houston had 13 points and 14 rebounds and Mariluz Dominguez 17 rebounds for Montgomery.

Central Union 49, El Cajon Valley 45--Heather Holm, who scored 39 Thursday night, had 32 in the Foothillers’ semifinal loss to Central Union of El Centro.