PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE / BOYS’ BASKETBALL : Century Backs Its Argument

Century went to Trabuco Hills on Friday night and insisted on a share of first place in the Pacific Coast League.

The Centurions administered a 80-57 beating to the Mustangs on their court, in front of their normally rabid fans, who sat stunned throughout. Century even beat the Mustangs at their transition game.

It was a satisfying moment for the Centurions, who are tied with the Mustangs for first. The Centurions can even now forget that 57-54 overtime loss to Trabuco Hills earlier this season--a game in which Century made only 11 of 27 free throws.

“I think our kids were upset about that game,” Coach Greg Coombs said. “I think they knew they should have won. I think they were tired of hearing about those free throws.”

Those frustrations were taken out on the Mustangs, especially on defense.

Trabuco Hills (17-5, 5-1) averages more than 70 points but had only 21 through 2 1/2 quarters. Ryan Karnoff was averaging 20 points but scored only eight.

The freewheeling Mustangs, ranked third in Orange County, were stifled at every turn. They scored only two points off the fast break in the first half.

Their half-court offense was limited to one shot, usually a poor one. Second opportunities were almost nonexistent. Trabuco Hills had only two offensive rebounds in the first half.

As for three pointers, one of the Mustangs’ specialties, they made one. Karnoff, who had 67 three-pointers entering the game, had none.

In fact, if it wasn’t for Rob Warnick’s 22 points, it would have been a complete embarrassment.

“We wanted come here and tell them (pause) to show them, who plays defense,” Century guard Hector Negrete said. “All those points we scored were because of our defense.”

The Centurions (19-3, 5-1), ranked eighth in the county, were as aggressive on offense as they were on defense.

Negrete, who averages nine points, scored a career-high 25. The Mustangs concentrated their defensive efforts on Thomas Harmon and Ike Harmon, leaving Negrete free to do as he pleased. He scored 14 in the first quarter.

That relieved the pressure on the Harmon brothers. Ike scored 16 and Thomas 15.

Century led 22-9 at the end of the first quarter and 34-17 at halftime. The lead swelled to 27.

The Centurions shot 50% from the field and made, yes made , 30 of 39 free throws.

“We came here on a mission,” Negrete said.

And left tied for first.

In another league game:

Laguna Hills 51, Laguna Beach 48--Mike Scaglione scored 26 points to lead the Hawks (8-11, 3-3).