Peninsula Rallies to Win Its Bay League Opener, 50-41

The Peninsula High boys’ basketball team overcame 28% shooting from the field and defeated Inglewood, 50-41, in a Bay League opener Wednesday night at Peninsula.

Playing in front of 1,000, Peninsula (16-3 overall, 1-0 in conference play) made only 12 of 42 shots from the field, but the Panthers’ defense limited Inglewood (10-7, 0-1) to four-of-25 shooting from the field in the second half and held the visitors to 26% shooting overall.

“I was real pleased with the defense, especially in the second half,” Peninsula Coach John Mihaljevich said. “As good as theirs was in the first half, ours was that good in the second. The defense controlled the tempo and we ended up showing some patience and making the shots when we had to.”

Inglewood took the lead with 1 minute 40 seconds to play in the first quarter and did not relinquish it until early in the fourth quarter. Using a zone defense and deliberate offense, the Sentinels frustrated the Panthers.

Inglewood junior center Givon Hester had the biggest impact, scoring eight points and grabbing eight rebounds as the Sentinels took a 23-17 halftime advantage.

Peninsula, rated 10th in the Southern Section Division I poll, regrouped in the second half.

Panther forward John Anthony finished with a game-high 24 points, including 18 in the second half. Guard Frank White, who got in foul trouble early, finished with 12 points and five rebounds.

“I thought we played pretty well overall,” Inglewood Coach Art Bias said. “We panicked a little in crucial areas and didn’t do what we had to do to control the tempo of the game.”

The Sentinels led, 30-29, going into the fourth quarter, but successive three-point baskets by White and Anthony put Peninsula ahead and ignited a 15-3 run that proved to be the difference.

Peninsula made 13 of 17 free throws, but was outrebounded, 31-18.

Hester finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.