Kennedy Ousted by Torrey Pines’ Towers

Thirty-two points, 17 rebounds and eight blocked shots later, Del Mar Torrey Pines’ twin towers had taken care of Kennedy.

Scot Pollard, a 6-foot-11 center, and 6-8 forward Peter Bates helped Torrey Pines eliminate Kennedy, 58-36, in the first round of the Southern California Division II regional playoffs Tuesday.

Torrey Pines (28-3), the San Diego Section Division 2-A champion, advanced to Thursday’s semifinals at home against Artesia. Kennedy, the Southern Section Division II-A runner-up, finishes 23-8.

“They play a great power game,” Kennedy Coach John Mayberry said. “I thought when the game got physical is when we got out of it.”

The Fighting Irish were in the game in the first half despite a nine-for-28 shooting performance. Kennedy seemed intimidated by Pollard, who finished with seven blocked shots and increased his San Diego Section season record for blocks to 159.

Pollard blocked three shots in the first quarter, forcing Kennedy to rely on outside shooting. Jeff Cummins scored 10 points from the perimeter in the first half to keep the Irish within 25-20 at halftime.

But in the second half, Pollard and Bates wore down Kennedy. Bates scored four consecutive points midway through the third quarter to give Torrey Pines a 31-23 lead. Later, a dunk by Pollard started a 14-0 Torrey Pines run, which extended the Falcons’ lead to 45-24 with 4 minutes 21 seconds left.

Kennedy, playing without guard Morgan Murakami, who dislocated his elbow Saturday against Trabuco Hills, came no closer than 18 points the rest of the way.