SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL DIVISION I-AA ROUNDUP : Ton Steps Up, Saves Day for Los Alamitos

Ali Ton made four consecutive free throws in the final 31 seconds to keep Los Alamitos from making a first-round exit as the Griffins edged Long Beach Millikan, 70-67, in a Division I-AA boys’ basketball game Tuesday at Los Alamitos.

The Griffins (20-7) advanced to play at fourth-seeded Santa Ana Valley in the second round on Friday.

Millikan (11-15) trailed by 12 at halftime, but outscored Los Alamitos, 13-4, in the opening 4 1/2 minutes of the second half to narrow the Griffins’ lead to 46-43.

Los Alamitos then was dealt a blow when senior forward Mike Corbin fouled Will Johnson, fell backward on his head and had Johnson come crashing down on top of him.

The game was delayed 25 minutes as Corbin was attended to on the court before being taken to Los Alamitos Medical Center. A hospital spokesperson said Corbin was being treated for a head injury and laceration to the chin. It had not been determined whether Corbin was to be admitted to the hospital.

“Corbin is the man that does every single dirty job on the team,” Ton said. “He sacrificed himself for one layup, hopefully he’ll be back for Valley because we need him.”

The Rams then took their first lead of the game two minutes later on a steal at midcourt and layup by Eddie Renfroe giving Millikan a 49-48 lead.

The Griffins took a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter but Rickie Sanders made consecutive three-pointers to give the Rams a 67-66 lead with 37 seconds remaining.

Ton, who finished with 27 points, eight steals and seven assists, then made two free throws to give the Griffins a one-point lead. Ton, a senior, then sealed it with two free throws. He made 14 of 15 on the night.

“Last year against Long Beach Wilson in the quarterfinals, I missed the front end of a one-and-one with a minute left and the game tied,” Ton said. “Wilson then made a three-pointer and we ended up losing by seven.”

Jeremy Vandervoet had 15 points and eight rebounds and Cory Johnson added 11 for Los Alamitos.

Freshman Center Rickie Anderson scored 20 and Sanders had 17 to lead Millikan.

Fontana 84, Esperanza 40--Esperanza, the third-place team from th Sunset League, ended at 14-13.