L.A. Baptist Shows a Finishing Kick

It wasn’t easy but L.A. Baptist High is still undefeated.

The Knights fought off their most difficult challenge of the season with an 80-78 victory over Canyon on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Valencia boys’ basketball tournament at Valencia High.

Jermaine Sweet scored 26 points and Aaron Davis added 24.

Tim Maynard also contributed down the stretch, scoring seven of his 13 points in the fourth quarter.

The game was tied, 68-68, with three minutes remaining before L.A. Baptist went on an 8-2 run.

“We knew it was going to be that kind of a game,” L.A. Baptist Coach Bob Chevalier said. “Any time you beat a quality opponent, you feel good about it.”

Canyon (4-2) was defeated despite an outstanding performance by forward Steve Eernisse, who scored 29 points.

David Turner added 16 points for the Cowboys.

Valencia 59, La Salle 54--After spotting La Salle an 11-0 lead in the first five minutes, the Vikings battled back and advanced to the semifinals.

The Vikings went ahead to stay late in the first half and led by as many as 10 points, but they had difficulty putting away from the Lancers (6-2).

Forward Kevin Woods had 13 points for Valencia, and forward Fabian Leon and guard Eskias McDaniels each scored 11.

Valencia (5-2) matched its victory total of last season, when it was 5-19.

Aki Aquino scored 21 points for La Salle before fouling out late in the game.

Santa Paula 69, Compton Centennial 63--Josh Jimenez scored 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Cardinals came from behind against the top-seeded Apaches (2-3) in a quarterfinal game.

Willie Zavala of Santa Paula (2-4) added 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter when the Cardinals overcame a 48-40 deficit.

Jimenez made four three-point baskets and Zavala two.

Crespi 59, Ventura 46--Reserve forward John Bird scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter for the Celts (3-2) in a quarterfinal game.

Kevin McDonough of Crespi made six three-point baskets, including two in the fourth quarter, and finished with 20 points.

Crespi trailed, 42-41, after three quarters but outscored Ventura (3-3), 18-4, in the fourth quarter.

Rob Turner and Howard Johnson each scored 10 points for Crespi.