Vetica’s Free Throws Clinch Kennedy Victory

Two free throws by Steve Vetica in the final eight seconds helped Kennedy defeat Pomona, 63-60, in a Division II-A quarterfinal game Friday night at Los Alamitos High.

Kennedy (22-6) plays San Marcos in the semifinals Tuesday night at a site to be determined today. Pomona, the defending III-AA champion, ended its season 17-9.

Pomona’s Robesha Muhammed was called for fouling Vetica, who was bringing the ball down court after the inbound pass.

“I was trying to hold the ball tight because I knew they would try to sweep it away from me,” said Vetica.

“After the foul, I just thought about how I could make the shots. I knew I had to make them because Pomona is a good three-point shooting team,” he said.

After Vetica’s free throws, the Red Devils got the ball to the top of the key where Dedrique Taylor (30 points) missed a three-point attempt with 0:01 remaining.

Said Kennedy Coach John Mayberry: “I told my players to pressure them (on the final basket) because we couldn’t afford to give up a three. If they made a layup, let it go. And don’t foul, make them earn it.”

Jermaine Galloway led Kennedy with 25 points (10 in the first quarter) and 15 rebounds. Pat Kunz had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Jeff Cummins had 13 points and five assists, Vetica added six assists and Morgan Murakami had seven steals.