Ocean View’s Defense Stops Barons

At 10-3, fourth-ranked Ocean View has the record it was expected to have at this point of the season. But the Seahawks, at least from their view, haven’t played the kind of basketball they believe they can--at least on offense.

But Ocean View does play defense. And it plays it well, as Fountain Valley found out Friday. The Barons managed only 18 second-half points against the aggressive Seahawks and fell at home, 59-48, in a nonleague game.

“Last year we set a school record, holding teams to an average of 43 points a game,” Ocean View Coach Jim Harris said. “We’re right around that now, and it has kept us in games.”

On Friday the Seahawk defense took over. Ocean View trailed at the half, 30-26, because the half-court trap Harris installed at practice Thursday could not keep the Barons (8-6) from shooting 50% from the field (10 of 20).

In the second half, however, Fountain Valley made eight of 21 shots (38%) and had only five rebounds (17 for the game).

“That’s what we’ve been doing [to teams] this year,” Harris said.

The Seahawks’ shot 67% in the second half, making 16 of 24 shots. For the game Ocean View shot 56% (25 of 45). They were paced by 6-10 center Kevin Hanson, who made all six of his field-goal attempts and had 13 points. Tony Dow and David Hatch had 11 points each. Jason Martini came off the bench to score nine and grab a game-high 11 rebounds.

Ocean View might have had an even easier time if they had made some of their free throws. The Seahawks missed 13 of 23 attempts.

Baron guard Ryan Moreau led all scorers with 15, and teammate Jeff Derr had nine.

“Their size hurt us, especially in the second half when they went inside more,” Fountain Valley Coach Mike Warrington said. “We played smarter against their trap, but when they switched to a man-to-man defense, they were much more effective.

“They are going to be tough in their league, along with Tustin and Servite. They have a lot of weapons to go to.”

And, as Ocean View showed on Friday, it can shut down other weapons as well.