Villa Park Overtakes Los Alamitos

Villa Park Coach Kevin Reynolds referred to his team’s victory over Los Alamitos at the Nike Extravaganza II basketball tournament Saturday morning as a “practice playoff game.”

Los Alamitos is ranked second in the county. Villa Park, which won, 71-54, at the Bren Center, is ranked sixth.

“This allows us to learn in a big-game setting,” Reynolds said of playing in the Bren Center. “This being a top team is all new to us. Villa Park hasn’t had the tradition of winning like the Mater Deis and Woodbridges. Suddenly, we’re thrown into the mix with these people, and it is taking some time for us to adjust.”

Eric Chenowith, a 7-1 center, adjusted just fine after a sluggish first quarter. He finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots. Point guard Isaiah Cavaco had 13 points and four assists, and off-guard Matt Poutsma had nine points, five assists and three steals.

Leading 33-29 at the half, Villa Park (17-4) went on a 14-4 run to open the third quarter, keyed by six points and three rebounds from Chenowith and three points and two assists from Cavaco. Los Alamitos never recovered.

Griffin Coach Steve Brooks said his team was just not ready for the 11:30 a.m. start after coming off an emotional, 67-59, Sunset League victory over Esperanza Friday night.

Reserve Rick Garibay made four three-pointers and finished with 16 points for Los Alamitos (19-3). Adam Seaton and Matt Komer each had 13 points.