Estancia Finally Runs Away From Aztecs

Selwyn Mansell made a three-point shot to start the game and visiting Estancia never trailed on its way to defeating La Quinta, 53-45, in the first round of the Southern Section Division III-A boys’ basketball playoffs Friday.

La Quinta (18-9) remained close throughout, trailing by only two points with four minutes left, before Estancia outscored the Aztecs, 10-2, to wrap up the victory.

“Every time we thought we were pulling away, they just kept coming back,” Estancia Coach Rich Boyce said.

Estancia (18-8) opened the fourth quarter with a basket by James Dawkins to take a 41-33 lead. La Quinta then scored three consecutive baskets, completing the run when Ben Fredrickson blocked an Estancia shot and Drew White grabbed the loose ball and scored on a layup to make it 41-39.

The two teams exchanged baskets before Estancia put the game out of reach.

Pacific Coast League most valuable player Sam Nelson scored two baskets during the final spurt to finish the game with 14 points. Nelson, who missed practice Tuesday and Wednesday after twisting his ankle in Monday’s practice, played all but the final four seconds of the game.

“He probably has played more minutes than anyone in the county,” Boyce said.

Mansell led the Eagles with 20 points, including four three-pointers. Dawkins scored 16.

“Sam may have been the league MVP, but Mansell has been our team’s most valuable player,” Boyce said.

Scott Ogilvie of La Quinta led all scorers with 21 points and had 10 rebounds.

Estancia led, 12-8, after the first quarter and extended the lead to 28-21 at halftime, finishing the first half with a three-pointer by Mansell.

La Quinta played without Hai Nguyen and Eric Mason, both expected to help off the bench. They had the flu.