Burbank Falls Apart Against Hart, 54-40

Hart High saw its three-year reign as Foothill League boys’ basketball champions come to an end last week.

Burbank clinched the 1995 league title Friday.

No longer with a title to defend, Hart decided to play defense against the new champions Tuesday night.

And the Indians routed the Bulldogs, 54-40.

The Bulldogs shot only 33% from field, missing all 10 of its three-point attempts, and never led. Two starters went down with twisted ankles. All in all, it wasn’t a good way the gear up for the playoffs.

“They had more to gain from this than we did,” said Burbank Coach Jeff Davis, who was dismayed at Hart’s physical play. “They played incredibly physical--and were allowed to play that way.”

With Burbank playing its last regular-season home game, Davis started five seniors--three of which were not starters--and Hart (13-12, 6-5) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in a game it had to win to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Less than three minutes into the game, Burbank starting point guard Carlos Baker sprained his left ankle and was carried off.

“That killed us,” Davis said. “That’s like taking our heart and throwing it away.”

Baker had scored 26 points in the two previous victories over Hart, which were decided by one and three points.

Less than two minutes after Baker went down, starting forward Don Allado was felled by an ankle twist. He came back to play, but he didn’t score.

Hart, not as talented as the 20-2 team of a year ago, played tough defense and built a seven-point lead after the first quarter and a 12-point lead at halftime.

The closest Burbank could cut Hart’s lead in the second half was eight. That’s when Matt Baker hit a layup after an Indian turnover with 3:26 left.

Senior guard Mike Posey had 13 points and five assists for Hart. He made nine of 12 free throws. Amir Parvenchiha added nine points. Reserve guard Tom Ngo led Burbank with 10.

“I thought defense was the difference and I was proud of our effort,” said Hart Coach Mike May.