Simmons Plays It Cool as Simi Valley Beats Westlake

Nathan Simmons has been a starter for the Simi Valley High boys’ basketball team since his sophomore season, so the senior forward understands the importance of staying cool under pressure--something the Pioneers have had their fill of lately.

Entering its game Friday night against Marmonte League-leading Westlake, Simi Valley already had two defeats in league play--as many as the Pioneers had all last season. Often, the Pioneers have not played with the discipline and precision for which they are known.

So with the Pioneers badly in need of a victory, Simmons knew what to do--lead the way.

Simmons scored 20 points, including two clinching free throws with 12 seconds to play, to lead Simi Valley to an important 51-44 victory.

“We knew coming in we needed to knock off Westlake to keep the league race open,” said Simmons, who also had 10 rebounds and five steals. “This one was really important for us so I tried to step up and keep making plays like I’ve tried to all season.

“Things just really worked tonight.”

That they did.

Simmons was at his best when it counted most. He scored 15 points after halftime and 12 in the decisive fourth quarter.

He made two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to give Simi Valley a 49-44 lead, which secured the victory. He also closed the game’s scoring by making two more free throws with two seconds left.

Simi Valley (12-5, 3-2 in league play) entered the final quarter with a 30-26 lead. Led by Simmons, the Pioneers took a 38-30 lead with 5 minutes 36 seconds to play.

But Westlake (10-3, 4-1) stormed back behind the play of forward Billy Miller, who scored 10 of his 12 points in the quarter. Westlake closed the lead to two twice in the quarter, but could not get any closer because of Simmons.

Simmons scored eight of the Pioneers’ final nine points in the game’s final 2:40. He also made several strong defensive plays.

“Nathan’s leadership was just outstanding tonight,” Pioneer Coach Dean Bradshaw said. “He made one play after another and sacrificed his body all game long.”

Pioneer senior center Vernon Simmons (no relation) also played well, scoring 11 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.

“I think this could be a big momentum builder for us,” Vernon Simmons said. “We’ve been frustrated and down, and this will help.”

Miller, who led Westlake with 15 rebounds, said the Warriors’ offense was what lost the game.

“Our offense just struggled all game long,” he said. “I don’t know what happened. But from the first quarter on we just couldn’t get going. When we started to come back in the fourth quarter we were all positive we would win but we just couldn’t seem to make the plays.”