Woodbridge Picks Up Speed, Beats Bakersfield South

Slow starts have been a recurring theme in Woodbridge basketball this season. But so have fast finishes.

The Warriors stayed true to form Tuesday, recovering from a sluggish first half to defeat Bakersfield South, 66-51, in the Division II Regional playoffs at Woodbridge.

The Warriors (28-3), who won their 20th consecutive game and 21st in a row at home, move on to a Thursday date with defending state champion Compton Dominguez. South, the Central section runner-up, ended its season 22-8.

While the victory was nice, Woodbridge Coach John Halagan--who watched the Warriors outscore the Rebels, 36-22, in the second half--said if his team has another slow start when it plays Dominguez, the Warriors will be buried.

“I had a feeling tonight we would be lethargic early,” Halagan said. “Winning the [section] championship Saturday against a great Villa Park team . . . when you climb a mountain like that, you want to stop and enjoy the view. And we almost took too long to do that.

“In the locker room, all the coaches asked the kids if they wanted to end the season, because South, coming off a tough loss came in to play tonight. But we have a strong, resilient team. And they weren’t ready to turn their gear in yet.”

Woodbridge’s senior trio of Chris Burgess, Brandon Beeson, and William Stovall were the difference, especially in the second half.

Beeson led Woodbridge with 20, Stovall had 18 and Burgess had 17, and all three played other key roles.

Burgess was having difficultly staying with Rebel star Drew Hill, who made six of 12 shots and had 13 points in the first half. Beeson, who had 10 rebounds, took on Hill defensively and contained him; Hill had only eight in the second half (for a game-high 21) and became a non-factor.

“I just made sure I didn’t fall for his fakes and stayed with his spin move,” said Beeson, who forced Hill into several traveling violations.

Freed up from chasing Hill, Burgess, who also had 10 rebounds, concentrated on shutting down the inside. Five of his eight blocks came in the second half.

Stovall took it upon himself to energize the Warriors with baseline drives and slashes through the lane. He got his team revved up to take over the game late in the third quarter, when they outscored South, 11-2, to lead, 48-39, at the quarter’s end.

South Coach Andrew Hill could only shake his head at the decisive outburst.

“They get us to take some quick, bad shots, then run down the floor for some easy baskets,” Hill said. “They took us right out of our offensive plan.”

Burgess said the Warriors were eager to see how they measure up to Dominguez.

“We certainly know what they can do,” Burgess said. “We know we have nothing to lose; we’ll go there, try to play our game and see what happens. But even if we don’t win, the season will not have been a failure.”