Kapono’s Hot Hand Prods No. 1 Artesia

Jason Kapono scored 14 of his 28 points in the second quarter to help Artesia break open a close boys’ basketball game and defeat Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley, 85-55, in the Nike Extravaganza before 3,500 at Cal State Fullerton.

Kapono, a 6-foot-8 senior who is one of the state’s top recruits, made 11 of 15 shots from the field, including all five of his three-point shots. He has narrowed his choices to Nevada Las Vegas, Utah, Missouri and Rhode Island.

Artesia (23-2), ranked No. 1 in the Southern Section Division I-AA poll, trailed third-ranked Capistrano Valley, 25-24, with 6 minutes 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter before its defense stiffened to spark the rally.

Capistrano Valley (19-6) made only four field goals over the next 12 minutes and Artesia built a 24-point lead late in the third quarter with Andre Hazel (10 assists), Jack Martinez (13 points) and Amaury Fernandez (13 points) giving the Pioneers balance.

Artesia outrebounded Capistrano Valley, 36-15, and also shot 54% from the field.

“We could have had God and all the apostles out there for us,” Capistrano Valley Coach Brian Mulligan said, “and it still wouldn’t have made one bit of difference.”

Mike Stowell had 23 points for Capistrano Valley.

In other Extravaganza games:

Steve Scoggin scored 19 points to lead Santa Ana Mater Dei past Oakland Bishop O’Dowd, 57-54. . . . Casey Jacobsen had 29 points and 10 rebounds for Glendora, which defeated Fullerton Troy, 63-53. . . . Tony Dow scored 15 points to help Huntington Beach Ocean View defeat Crenshaw, 64-55. Thomas Armand had 17 points and 13 rebounds for Crenshaw. . . . Ryan Dwight had 15 points in Santa Margarita’s 76-36 victory over Anaheim Servite. . . . Long Beach Poly needed triple overtime to defeat Villa Park, 71-69. Wesley Stokes had 23 points and seven assists for Poly. Andy Olsen scored 23 points for Villa Park . . . . Desmond Penigar scored 13 points to lead Upland past Tustin, 50-43.