Alemany Unable to Contain Berumen

Rafael Berumen scored 39 points and Ronnie Noel set a school record with 18 assists Tuesday night in Simi Valley High’s 90-59 victory over Alemany in the first round of the Simi Valley boys’ basketball tournament at the Pioneer gym.

Berumen, a 6-foot-8 sophomore transfer from Pomona High, made 18 of 20 shots, nearly all from underneath the basket, and hit three of five three throws. He grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked five shots.

Noel, a senior point guard, broke Butch Hawking’s record of 17 assists set in 1987. He added 12 steals and eight points.

Simi Valley (1-0) also got 20 points from Brett Michel, a 6-5 freshman who started at forward. Previously a three-year school, Simi Valley is using freshmen for the first time. Branduin Fullove, a 6-4 freshman guard, sat out with an injury but is expected to be a starter.

The Indians (0-1) trailed 20-18 after the first quarter, when senior forward Jesus Castillon scored 14 of his 22 points.

Berumen scored 33 points in the last three quarters.