DIVISION III-AA ROUNDUP : Henderson’s 22 Points Key Magnolia Victory

Senior point guard Frank Henderson scored 22 points and had nine rebounds to lead Magnolia to a 52-47 victory over Newport Harbor at Magnolia in a Division III-AA boys’ basketball playoff game Friday.

Magnolia will meet Servite in Tuesday’s quarterfinals.

The Sentinels (19-7) trailed, 12-10, after one quarter, but outscored the Sailors, 15-6, in the second quarter to take a 25-18 halftime lead. Magnolia, which recorded its 17th consecutive home victory, extended the lead to 11 points, 29-18, early in the third quarter. But Newport Harbor (13-14) fought back, cutting the lead to four on Will Rankin’s basket early in the fourth quarter.

“I thought we were in control with that lead, but we didn’t play good defense and they stayed with us,” Magnolia Coach Al Wallin said.

Newport Harbor played without starting center Ramy Shoukry, who underwent an emergency appendectomy Monday. His replacement, John Giordani, was brought up from the junior varsity. He responded by scoring 11 points, all in the second half, to keep the Sailors close.

Magnolia’s LaShawn Neal sealed the victory, scoring two key baskets in the last 1:30 and blocking two shots.

“Getting this first game out of the way is always tough. I was pleased with our performance tonight,” Wallin said.

Paul Tayyar led Newport Harbor with 12 points.