HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL / NORDHOFF TOURNAMENT : Seniors Lift Santa Paula to First Title in 22 Years

OJAI — Santa Paula High won its first boys’ basketball tournament in 22 years by defeating Channel Islands, 72-56, in the Nordoff tournament final Saturday behind the play of four seniors.

Dan Herrera, a 6-foot-8, 210-pound center, dominated the middle, grabbing 20 rebounds and scoring 16 points. Point guard Manuel Escamilla scored a game-high 23 points, forward Chris Canon had 10 points and 10 rebounds, and swingman Ben Tryk scored 11.

Escamilla was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

“We have several real good seniors, guys who can play against anybody,” Santa Paula assistant Manuel Payan said.

The Cardinals (3-0) are coming off a tremendous summer league campaign, having defeated several larger schools including Santa Barbara, Buena, Ventura and Rio Mesa.

Santa Paula, which competes in the Frontier League, also won the L.A. Baptist tournament and UCLA Team Camp tournament during the summer.

Channel Islands (2-1), a member of the Marmonte League, was led in scoring by senior Jermaine Samuel (14 points). Sophomore Charles Merricks and freshman O.J. Thomas each added 12.

Nordhoff 50, Santa Maria 42--Herb Thornton scored 10 points and brother Adam added nine to lead host Nordhoff (3-1) in the third-place game.

Senior forward Craig Romonette scored four points off the bench for the Rangers, who are playing without returning standout Dallan Rigby, who is still playing fullback for Nordhoff’s football team.