Moorpark Continues to Serve Notice

At the start of the season, the Moorpark High boys’ basketball team was unknown, unranked and unappreciated.

But that might be about to change for the Musketeers.

With their 82-74 victory Tuesday night over Faith Academy of the Philippines, they have advanced to the semifinals of the Chaminade tournament.

Guard Todd Tomlinson said the Musketeers (10-1) are finally starting to get noticed.

“We want to get respect and we feel we have earned it,” Tomlinson said. “But in the same sense it’s nice to be in the shadows and sneak up on people.”

Tomlinson certainly won’t be sneaking up on anyone after his performance against the Vanguards (24-5).

He scored a school-record 45 points, including 30 in the second half when the Musketeers battled back from an eight-point deficit.

Tomlinson, who scored 35 points in Moorpark’s victory over Kennedy in the first round of the tournament, made 15 of 36 shots, including eight of 22 three-pointers.

“I’m feeling real confident in this tournament,” Tomlinson said. “I struggled a little in the first tournaments we played but I’m feeling better about my shooting right now.”

As impressive as he was, it wasn’t until Tomlinson sank his eighth three-pointer with 1:52 remaining that the Musketeers took the lead for good, 74-73.

For better or worse, Moorpark’s ability to come from behind is developing into a pattern.

“Our team has a knack for falling behind and picking ourselves back up to win the game,” Coach Tim Bednar said.

“I wish we would just win the game.”

Matt Castagna had 32 points for Faith Academy.

Darren Meisel had 15 points for the Vanguards.

Moorpark plays San Francisco Riordan in a semifinal at 6:30 tonight.

Chaminade 58, Canyon 47--The Eagles opened up a 30-9 halftime lead and never trailed in a quarterfinal victory.

Scott Borchart had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tito Hil had 15 points for the Eagles (6-4).

The Eagles play Pleasant Grove in a semifinal at 8 tonight.

Jeff Grucelski scored 13 points for Canyon (6-6).

Pleasant Grove (Utah) 75, Campbell Hall 66--A furious comeback by the Vikings fell short against Pleasant Grove in a quarterfinal game.

The Vikings (10-4) trailed, 61-39, after three quarters before going on a 25-8 run to cut the deficit to 69-64 with 1:30 remaining.

But Campbell Hall, ranked No. 6 in the region, could get no closer.

Freshman Robert Locke had 22 points and six rebounds, and Hassan Bassiri scored 20 points for the Vikings.

Jesse Foster, a 6-foot-8 center, added 15 points and nine rebounds for Campbell Hall.

San Francisco Riordan 59, Quartz Hill 35--The Rebels were outscored, 24-5, in the fourth quarter of a quarterfinal setback.

Frank Black had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Marquise Kately scored 23 points for the Crusaders.

Tony Johnson had 10 points for Quartz Hill (8-4).