Irvine Valley Wins Basketball Title

Neither a 25-minute delay nor the hot shooting of Frankie Floyd were enough to prevent Irvine Valley from winning the Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball title outright Friday.

Daryl Todd scored 27 points and Brandon Hearvey added 21 as Irvine Valley beat host Cypress, 93-83, in the final game of the regular season.

Cypress’ Floyd made six of 10 three-point shots and finished with a season-high 37 points, 30 of which came in the second half.

The men’s game started late because the Irvine Valley women’s team was given permission by Cypress to cut down the nets after beating Cypress, 73-63. The request was odd considering Irvine Valley had clinched the title outright Wednesday in its gym and didn’t cut down the nets then.

“I was worried about the delay,” Irvine Valley Coach Jerry Hernandez said. But his fear was quickly erased as Irvine Valley scored the game’s first 10 points.

Irvine Valley led, 49-40, at the half as Hearvey had 15 and Todd 14. Cypress (14-15, 6-8 in conference) got as close as three, 55-52, after Floyd scored with 14 minutes 22 seconds left.

Floyd made two free throws with 7:28 left to cut the lead to six, 70-64, with 7:28 left but Irvine Valley went on an 11-0 run.

J.C. Timmons made eight of eight free throws in the second half and Damian Raibon scored 11 of his 13 in the second half for Irvine Valley (25-7, 12-2).

“I’m extremely grateful,” Hernandez said about the championship. “I have fantastic kids that are versatile and play with a lot of heart.”