DIVISION IV-AA BOYS’ BASKETBALL : Corona del Mar Advances to Title Game

Corona del Mar advanced to the Southern Section final for the seventh time in 20 seasons by defeating second-seeded Los Angeles Murphy, 76-66, in a Division IV-AA boys’ basketball game Friday at St. Bernard High.

The third-seeded Sea Kings play Playa del Rey St. Bernard on Friday night at the Bren Center.

Corona del Mar Coach Paul Orris said his team benefited from its scoring depth and demanding regular-season schedule.

“I think we had more weapons than they did,” Orris said. “And the caliber of play we faced in league and preseason has a lot to do with this win.”

The game was decided in the third quarter, when the Sea Kings made eight of 12 shots from the field and all six free throws to open a 55-40 lead.

Brian Fracalosy and Adam Klinke each scored 10 of their game-high 16 points in the third quarter for the Sea Kings.

“The last game against (Encino) Crespi, we shot about 75% for the third and fourth quarters,” Orris said.

Joel Owen was equally effective when he substituted for Fracalosy. The senior guard scored the last six points of the second quarter and the first seven of the fourth as Corona del Mar maintained its 15-point lead.

“The best thing about this team is we don’t have to rely on one individual,” Orris said.

Corona del Mar (17-11) took a 17-12 lead after a fast-paced first quarter and the Sea Kings increased their lead to 31-22 at halftime.

Murphy (21-7), which did not get called for a team foul until the opening minute of the third quarter, never got closer than nine the remainder of the game.

The Nobles were led by Pierre Elize with 20 points and Josh Mason with 15.