Ollie Roughs Up Valley for Santa Monica, 82-70

VAN NUYS — Once again, it was a case of too much Damon Ollie.

The former North Hollywood High standout scored a game-high 29 points to lead Santa Monica College to an 82-70 victory over Valley in a Western State Conference South Division game Wednesday night at Valley.

Both teams entered the game with 7-1 records in division play and tied for first place. The Corsairs (23-8) will win the division outright if they beat Glendale at home Friday in the regular-season finale.

Valley (18-12) will travel to Canyons on Friday. The Monarchs can share the division championship with a victory and if Glendale, which upset Santa Monica in their previous meeting this season, can drop the Corsairs again.

It will be a tall order for Glendale if Ollie performs like he did against Valley.

The 6-foot-5 forward leads the team with 21.1 points per game and is sixth in the conference in rebounding with a 9.5 average.

He muscled his way inside all night and cashed in on several layups and putbacks. He ruled the boards with a game-leading 13 rebounds. In Santa Monica’s 87-83 victory over Valley on Jan. 28, Ollie rallied the Corsairs with 18 points and seven rebounds.

“They cover their mistakes with offensive rebounds,” Valley coach Doug Michelson said of Santa Monica..

The Corsairs, ranked 16th in the state, also make it extremely difficult for opponents to drive to the basket. Ollie blocked two shots and teammate Luke Davis, a 6-6 center who did not play in the first contest between the teams, blocked four shots.

“Luke is a real enforcer for us inside,” said Marvin Menzies, Santa Monica coach.

The teams played relatively even in the first half, with Santa Monica taking a 30-25 advantage at the break.

But the Monarchs crumbled midway through the second half after tying the score, 42-42, with 14 minutes 15 seconds to play.

The Corsairs went on a 17-2 surge behind the shooting of Ollie and guard Davy Fortson for a 59-44 lead with 10:41 remaining.

Sophomore forward Kenyth Henry paced Valley with 22 points.