BOYS’ BASKETBALL / CENTURY TOURNAMENT : Sonora Rolls Past Cypress Into Final

Sonora proved why it is one of the best boys’ basketball teams in Orange County by easily dispatching Cypress, 64-48, in a semifinal of the Century Holiday Classic Thursday at Century High.

Guards Sergio Hernandez, who had 23 points, and Nathan Mirth, who had 13 points, including three three-pointers, led seventh-ranked Sonora (12-2) over 10th-ranked Cypress.

The Raiders, who will play Calvary Chapel in the final tonight, broke open the game by outscoring Cypress, 18-5, in the third quarter. Sonora cruised although its front line was relatively quiet.

Seven-foot center Craig Clark, who has signed a letter of intent with San Jose State, had 12 points and 10 rebounds but fouled out with 4 minutes 43 seconds remaining and Sonora leading, 51-38. Clark took only eight shots and was not dominant on offense.

Starting forwards Chad Fister and Josh Lien combined for only nine points, but Sonora didn’t need their output to defeat Cypress (11-3) for the second time this season. Sonora beat Cypress in the Sonora Cage Classic final, 63-49, on Dec. 17.

“We were sluggish,” Sonora Coach Mike Murphy said. “Although Craig fouled out, we’re confident we can win without him. We’re real deep.”

Murphy brought in sophomore Jimmy Landry for Clark in the fourth quarter, and Landry scored six of his seven points in the period.

Although Cypress guard Derek Mitchell scored 22 points, including five three-pointers, Clark’s presence on defense helped shut down the Centurions’ inside game.

Cypress’ 6-5 forward Brett Boulton (nine points) and 6-4 forward Chad Boberg (five points) made only five of 19 shots. Cypress shot 34% from the field and made only one of nine shots in the pivotal third quarter.

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In the other semifinal:

Calvary Chapel 62, Century 51--Brandon Wills scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help the Eagles (12-2) pull away. Nate Morton scored 12 points and Kevin Falconer added 11 for Calvary Chapel, which made 16 of 17 free throws.

Hector Beltran scored 13 points and Vibol Ros added 10 for Century (9-5).

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In consolation games:

Buena Park 54, Santa Ana 47--Ruben Gasso and Towan Oliver each scored 16 points for Buena Park (7-7).

Santiago 56, Los Amigos 55--Ralph Robledo scored 26 points for Santiago (5-7). Kit Ratanaphoulee had 24 points for Los Amigos (5-6).

Sunny Hills 78, Westminster 41--Ben Nicolas was perfect in 11 free-throw attempts and scored 21 points for Sunny Hills (6-9).

Costa Mesa 59, Garden Grove 49--Mike Montoya scored 19 points, including six three-pointers, for Costa Mesa (6-9). Mike Campuzano had 28 points for Garden Grove (5-8).