PREP BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Miele, Jackley Help Valencia Beat Savanna to Stay Close in League Race

Swingman Jason Miele scored 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and forward Erik Jackley had a team-high 16 points in Valencia’s 63-52 Orange League victory over host Savanna Wednesday, which kept Valencia in contention for the league title.

Valencia improved to 13-10, 7-2 in league play. The Tigers trail league-leading Magnolia (18-6, 8-1) by one game. The teams meet in a season finale Friday night at Valencia.

Magnolia defeated Valencia, 54-49, on Jan. 21. Tiger first-year Coach Dean Yoshimura said his team faces a difficult task Friday.

“We might have to play a perfect game against them,” Yoshimura said. “But no matter what happens, we’re very happy to be in this position.

“We thought we had a chance to be in this position from the beginning of the season and this is all I could have asked for.”

Magnolia, Savanna and Valencia have clinched the league’s three automatic playoff berths. Valencia swept the season series with Savanna (12-11, 6-3). The Tigers also defeated the Rebels, 66-59, Jan. 19.

Miele sparked the Tigers Friday by making eight of 10 free throws in the fourth quarter when Valencia outscored Savanna, 22-16.

“I’m not a great free-throw shooter, but they kept going down tonight,” said Miele, who made 10 of 14 free throws in the game. “I knew (Savanna) had to foul us in the fourth quarter to try and catch up so I kept trying to get the ball.”

Three Savanna players fouled out. Valencia went ahead by 12 three times in the fourth quarter as Savanna had problems scoring against the zone defense.

Valencia led, 28-25, at halftime and, 41-36, after three quarters.

The Rebels were led by guard Jermaine Moore with 18 points. Forward Todd Wilson added 10 points and 10 rebounds.