Century Gets the Word Out in League Win

Yes, the six teams in the Empire League might have been overlooked before the season began.

That was the obvious message on opening night of league play Friday, with Century and Loara determined to make their case for a few top 10 votes and more recognition for the league.

It took five free throws in the final 13 seconds for Century to put away the visiting Saxons, 61-54, in what both coaches said was the type of league game they expect to be the norm this season.

“My wife keeps telling me there will be a four-way tie with each team having a 6-4 record,” Century Coach Greg Coombs said. “She may be right. It’s not likely that any team will go through this league unbeaten.”

How balanced is the Empire? Defending champion Cypress (6-9), the team with the worst record going into league play, on Friday upended El Dorado (11-5), 57-53. And No. 3 Katella (16-1) had enough to outlast Kennedy (9-8), 62-51.

“The Empire is the best league in Orange County,” said Loara Coach Ed Prange, an eight-year veteran of the league. “It’s a six-team race.”

Century’s Terrail Zoller had 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals. His two free throws gave Century a 58-54 lead with 13 seconds left. Center Mike Zepeda, who finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds, made a free throw, the result of a technical foul after he was fouled. Then Centurion guard Hardy Fatu made two free throws a second later after being fouled on the inbounds play.

Loara took the lead early, but couldn’t hold it. Zoller made three of four free throws late in the second quarter and the Centurions led, 32-28, at halftime.

Loara tied the score, 34-34, but Century, which made seven of 10 field goals in the third quarter, went on a 14-2 run that included eight points from Fatu.

Loara’s scrappy press troubled Century in the final quarter and the Saxons converted several Centurion turnovers and tied the score, 54-54, with 1:59 left.

Loara did not score again. The Saxons had a chance to go ahead late in the game, but Fatu came up with a steal. Zoller made a nice drive to the basket and when he was surrounded by defenders in the key, passed into the low post to Zepeda for a layup and a 56-54 Century lead.