SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : II-A Boys : Trabuco Hills vs. Kennedy, 1 p.m.

SITE--L.A. Sports Arena

RECORDS--Trabuco Hills (24-5), Kennedy (23-6)

TRABUCO HILLS--Defense has been the key to Trabuco Hills’ success in the playoffs. Four playoff opponents have shot only 30% from the field against Trabuco Hills, which has imposing 6-foot-11 center Gavin Vanderputten clogging the middle. Trabuco Hills is equally effective offensively, averaging 66.5 points. Trabuco Hills’ five losses were to Capistrano Valley (twice), Mater Dei, Torrey Pines and Cheyenne. Capistrano Valley and Mater Dei are in title games, and Torrey Pines is the top-ranked team in San Diego. Trabuco Hills has won 14 consecutive games since losing to Capistrano Valley, 83-58. “The key will be how we handle the hoopla of playing a championship game in the big arena,” Mustang Coach Rainer Wulf said. “We’ll have to adjust to the surroundings.” Trabuco Hills’ front line is solid with Vanderputten and forwards Corey Klinke and Pat Barnes, but inconsistency in the backcourt play of Ryan Holland and Brett Poulos has hurt the Mustangs.

KENNEDY--Five years ago, Kennedy scored stunning overtime victories over Rolling Hills and Tustin to win the Southern Section 3-A championship. Kennedy, winners of 18 consecutive games, upset second-seeded San Marcos, 57-55, in Tuesday’s semifinals, and now sets its sights on top-seeded Trabuco Hills. Can Coach John Mayberry orchestrate another upset? It’s doubtful after witnessing Kennedy’s victory over San Marcos, during which 6-10 center Jermaine Galloway managed only five rebounds and was dominated by opposing center Rob Ramaker. Kennedy was outrebounded by San Marcos, 37-15, as Galloway seemed to disappear during stretches of the game. He figures to have his hands full again with Vanderputten, a stronger inside player than Ramaker. Forward Jeff Cummins had a strong second half against San Marcos after struggling with the flu. Morgan Murakami has given Kennedy an added dimension in the playoffs with nine three-point shots.

KEYS TO THE GAME--Will Poulos and Holland handle the pressure? Will Galloway give Kennedy 100% at both ends of the court for 32 minutes? Will Murakami continue to hit the three-pointer? The only thing certain is that Mayberry will be dressed in his usual green garb.

CONSENSUS--Trabuco Hills in a blowout.

Starting Lineups

TRABUCO HILLS

P Name Ht. Avg. F Pat Barnes 6-4 7.1 F Corey Klinke 6-7 11.5 C Gavin Vanderputten 6-11 20.4 G Ryan Holland 5-9 6.7 G Brett Poulos 5-9 14.5

Coach: Rainer Wulf

KENNEDY

P Name Ht. Avg. F Pat Kunz 6-6 10.5 F Jeff Cummins 6-3 13.7 C Jermaine Galloway 6-10 20.1 G Morgan Murakami 5-11 7.0 G Steve Vetica 5-11 3.2

Coach: John Mayberry