Crescenta Valley Uses Perfection to Breeze Past Glendale, 71-51

One-and-one repeatedly equaled two points for the Crescenta Valley High basketball team Friday night.

The Falcons’ free-throw shooting against visiting Glendale in a Pacific League opener wasn’t just good enough to ice a 71-51 victory. It was perfect.

Crescenta Valley (9-7) made a remarkable 17 free throws in 17 attempts in the final period--14 in one-and-one situations.

That accuracy kept Glendale (10-6) from mounting a serious challenge. The Dynamiters trailed by three points early in the third quarter and seemed within striking distance, although they never led.

Crescenta Valley senior Josh Willis, who scored a game-high 25 points and had nine rebounds, made four free throws in the final quarter. Guard Eddie Molina also was four for four, forward Brendon Cowsill was two for two and center Mark Harrison made one free throw.

But Crescenta Valley’s best effort was turned in by reserve guard Robert Miller, who was perfect with six free throws.

For the game, Crescenta Valley made 23 of 25 free throws (92%).

“I think we have a lot of concentration,” Willis said. “Last year we weren’t that good a team shooting free throws.”

Despite the fourth-quarter accuracy, Crescenta Valley probably decided the game at the outset. The Falcons made four three-point baskets--three by Willis--among their first seven shots to take a 12-5 lead.

“We went after them,” Falcon Coach John Goffredo said. “We weren’t afraid to take that clutch shot.”

Glendale forward Mike Wright, who finished with a team-high 21 points, made a three-point basket in each of the first two quarters to pull Glendale to within 30-23 at halftime. Wright, however, scored only four points in the third quarter and went to the bench with his fourth foul.