Last-Second Shot Keys Cypress’ 43-42 Victory

The Empire League definitely won’t be declaring a champion any time soon. Not with four teams separated by one game entering play Friday.

Katella, which has been overachieving much of the season, had a chance to move into sole possession of first place. But defending champion Cypress took home a 43-42 victory in front of about 600 at Katella.

The Knights (16-5, 4-2) had taken a 42-40 lead with 19 seconds to play on Kenny Moreno’s three-point play.

But the Centurions (15-7, 5-1) patiently worked the ball down the floor and tried to find an opening for Wes Bunn or Travis Weaver--their best outside shooters--but couldn’t. Weaver drove into the lane and drew three defenders, before passing back out to John Radaza.

Radaza, probably the player Katella would want to take the last shot, stepped back across the three-point line for a clear look at the basket, and drained a three with 1.7 seconds for the game-winner.

It was Cypress’ fifth straight victory.

“The first time I’ve ever made a game-winning shot in high school,” said Radaza, who finished with nine points.

“I’m very happy for John,” Coach Tom Gorrell said. “Wes is our best player, but John is our glue, a real team player.”

Katella shot 16 of 30 from the field, but it was only nine of 15 from the free-throw line. Despite an 18-11 rebound advantage, the Knights never established a strong inside game.

“We didn’t get it done tonight,” Katella Coach Tom Danley said. “We waited until the fourth quarter to play, and we should have never let it get to the last 19 seconds to decide if we wanted to win.

“To the kids it was another game; they had no concept it was for the league lead. For three quarters we waited for something to happen instead of making something happen.”

Cypress outscored Katella, 25-17, in the second and third quarters to go up, 34-28, with a quarter to play.

Katella took a 39-38 lead on Moreno’s offensive rebound and put-back with 1:16 to play. Bunn, who led Cypress with 12, answered with a five-footer with 55 seconds left to give the Centurions the lead, 40-39, and set up the final heroics.

Katella’s Jehovany Barraza led all scorers with 16.

In other Empire League games:

Century 47, Kennedy 42--Hardy Fatu scored 17 points for Century (13-9, 4-2). Teammate Chris Lopez scored 14 for the Centurions.

El Dorado 59, Loara 47--Ryan Ayer scored 29 points for El Dorado (17-5, 4-2), which led by 19 points after three quarters. Will Hall scored 14 points for host Loara (11-11, 1-5).