San Fernando’s Power Trio Forges Upset Over Cleveland

Together on the basketball court for the first time this season, Jose Montes, Mike Hernandez and Steve Nevarez of San Fernando High showed Monday just how prolific they can be.

The 6-foot-3 Montes scored 28 points, the 6-0 Hernandez had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the 6-4, 285-pound Nevarez added 15 points and 11 rebounds to help San Fernando upset Cleveland, 71-65, in a first-round game of the Hart tournament.

Montes’ three-point basket from the baseline with 1:50 to play gave San Fernando (5-5) a 66-65 lead. Hernandez made a free throw with 49 seconds left, then Montes clinched the victory with a layup while being intentionally fouled with 21 seconds left.

Cleveland (7-5) was playing its first game under Coach Adam Levitt. The Cavaliers looked out of shape. Anthony Davis, the team’s leading scorer, didn’t play in the first half because he missed practice, then hurt his ankle in the third quarter and was ineffective.

Nevarez, San Fernando’s All-City football lineman, had been busy with recruiting trips. His return as a basketball center added much to the Tigers’ attack.

Montes, a three-sport standout, has ignored those who have advised him to choose between football, basketball and baseball.

“I just want to have fun,” he said. “I don’t want to have any regrets. You only go through high school once.”

He was headed off Monday to practice pitching, but the victory over Cleveland was a thrill.

“It’s a big confidence boost,” he said. “We weren’t intimidated.”