Troy Sends Sonora a Message

Sonora has won the last five Freeway League boys’ basketball titles. Now Troy feels it’s time for a change.

That was the message the ninth-ranked Warriors wanted to send the second-ranked Raiders Friday at Troy. The message came through loud and clear: a 70-61 Troy victory.

The Warriors (15-3, 4-0) moved into sole possession of first place in league, and Troy guard Jerry Inzunza--who led all scorers with 23--hopes it did more than that.

“All we’ve been hearing in the county is that Sonora owns Freeway,” Inzunza said. “Everyday in practice we’ve dedicated ourselves to winning the league. We know they’re good. But we wanted to prove to people they are beatable.”

Coach T.J. Hardeman, while elated with the win, tried to keep some perspective.

“We told the kids no matter what happens, there are still six more league games, and we still have to go to their place,” Hardeman said.

“But it’s nice having them chase us for a change.”

Sonora Coach Mike Murphy--whose team beat Troy in a holiday tournament--also had pointed to this game, having scouted Troy seven times. “That’s how much I was concerned about them,” he said.

But the Raiders (16-4, 3-1) got off to a shaky start, with 12 of their 18 turnovers in the first quarter.

“We were just too excited. I hadn’t seen us fumble the ball like that all year,” Murphy said.

Troy capitalized, with Scott Blake getting 11 of his 17 points in the first half, bolting to a 35-22 halftime lead.

The Warriors’ lead grew to 17 midway through the third quarter, 43-26. But Sonora started chipping away as Jeffrey Berokoff and Marqui Worthy--each with 20 points--found their scoring touch.

By the end of the quarter, the Raiders had whittled the lead down to seven. They got as close as three, 61-58 with 2:10 left to play. But Inzunza, whose five of six free throws down the stretch made sure Sonora got no closer.

In other Freeway League games:

La Habra 53, Fullerton 46--Tied at 46-46, with just over a minute to play, Jason Smallwood made two free throws and on the ensuing possession, hit a three-pointer to put La Habra (10-10, 2-2) up for good. Smallwood finished with 10 points and Brad Egan led the Highlanders with 11.

Michael Bridgeford led all scorers with 13 points for Fullerton (8-12, 2-2).

Sunny Hills 46, Buena Park 44--Bim Okunrinboye hit a 10-foot shot at the buzzer to give Sunny Hills the victory. Nick Hankins put Buena Park (8-11, 0-4) ahead with 12 seconds remaining on a put-back. The Lancers (10-10, 1-3) trailed, 31-22, at halftime.