Hoover’s Hull Shoots Holes in Crescenta Valley’s Streak

Buoyed by a career-high 37 points from forward Mark Hull, Hoover High all but ended Crescenta Valley’s string of 12 consecutive playoff appearances with a 79-72 Pacific League boys’ victory Tuesday at Crescenta Valley.

Hull, a 6-foot-4 junior, muscled inside for most of his baskets and made 12 of 14 free throws, including three in the fourth quarter to help stifle a run by Crescenta Valley. Center Andy Russell and forward Artin Del Keoukian each contributed 18 rebounds.

“It’s good to see Mark start taking control more,” Hoover Coach Kirt Kohlmeier said. “It’s a good time of year for him to do that.”

With the victory, Hoover (11-12, 6-3 in league play) clinched at least a third-place finish behind Muir and Pasadena with one game remaining.

The Falcons (12-12, 3-6), who have reached the postseason every year since 1985 under Coach John Goffredo, can petition for an at-large entry in the Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs. But Goffredo said he will not make the attempt if the Falcons lose Friday against Pasadena.

“If we don’t have a winning record, we won’t go,” Goffredo said.

The Falcons almost made good on their coach’s challenge Tuesday, taking a 40-38 halftime lead despite being out-sized. Hoover appeared to settle matters by outscoring the Falcons, 26-8, in the third quarter. But Crescenta Valley charged back with a 12-0 run to begin the fourth quarter and moved to within 66-60 with four minutes to play.

Hoover’s near-collapse infuriated Kohlmeier, who emphatically reproached his team during timeouts. It also ignited Hull.

“He was just telling us to keep our heads in the game and work on our offense,” Hull said. “That’s been our problem all year. But things are looking good now.”

Senior center Adam Reynolds (6-3), Crescenta Valley’s tallest player, was held to two points. Center Wellart Cortes had team-high totals of 15 points and 12 rebounds, and guard Derek Dawson came off the bench to score 14.