Prep Basketball Playoffs / THIRD ROUND : DIVISION V-AA : Capistrano Valley Christian Rallies but Falls Just Short

A late rally by Capistrano Valley Christian fell short as the Eagles fell to host Canoga Park Faith Baptist, 43-38, in the quarterfinals of the Division V-AA boys’ basketball playoffs Friday night.

Capistrano Valley Christian cut the Crusader lead to two points when Troy Rodarmel hit two free-throws with 22 seconds remaining. Jeff Jennings stole the inbound pass, but he missed on a quick shot. Tony Hoggatts’ two free throws clinched the victory for the Crusaders (16-11).

“They took us out of our rhythm,” Eagle Coach Mark Jennings said. “We were hurrying our shots all night.”

With Marquis Patterson making four steals, Capistrano Valley Christian took a 13-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Faith Baptist’s fast break enabled the Crusaders to tie the score, 13-13, before Capistrano Valley Christian went on a 9-2 run for a 22-15 halftime lead.

Faith Baptist reduced the lead to one, 27-26, to end the third quarter.

The Eagles were ahead, 32-28, with 6 minutes left when Faith Baptist outscored them, 12-4, to take the lead for good.

The Eagles also were unable to take advantage of Faith Baptist’s poor free-throw shooting. The Crusaders were nine for 17 and missed the front end of three one-and-one opportunities in the final three minutes.

Rodarmel led the Eagles (21-5) with 12 points, and Chuck Carlsen contributed 11 in the losing effort.

James Decarriere’s 17 points led the Crusaders.