Simi Valley Judged to Be Region’s Best

Start pounding the gavel.

The debate, if there was one, is over. Simi Valley High is the best boys’ basketball team in the region.

The Pioneers disposed of Sylmar, 81-66, and showed why they occupy the top spot in The Times’ regional poll, dominating the Spartans, ranked No. 3, in the Double Pump Hoop Challenge on Saturday at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Simi Valley (16-2) enjoyed a torrid shooting performance, making 28 of 39 shots (71.8%) through three quarters and finishing 32 of 51 (62.7%).

Rafael Berumen scored 32 points for the Pioneers, making 13 of 18 shots, and Branduinn Fullove added 27 on 11-of-14 shooting.

Berumen said he was properly motivated when he heard Sylmar was already laying claim to the regional throne before the game.

“When we heard they were talking this stuff, that they were the best team in the Valley, we didn’t say anything,” said Berumen, who took down 17 rebounds. “We wanted to let our actions do all the talking.”

Their actions were very loud.

The Pioneers took a 24-9 lead in the second quarter and, after Sylmar closed to within 33-29, finished the half with an 11-1 burst, including three baskets that were the result of breaking down the Spartans’ full-court press.

Sylmar (14-5) shot poorly the entire game, making only 27 of 81 shots (33.3%). Branden Jacobs made one of 12 shots and George Wrighster was two of 17.

“I feel like I let my team down,” said Wrighster, who then brought up a good point. “We lost to Simi Valley last year [in the Hart tournament] and we still went on to win the [City Section] 3-A championship. This doesn’t keep us from our goal of a 4-A championship.”

Frightening enough, Simi Valley didn’t play a perfect game, committing 21 turnovers.

“There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement,” said Berumen, who has signed a letter of intent with New Mexico. “All it takes is for us to keep practicing and get a little better each day.”

Dallas Townsend scored 13 points for Sylmar and Jeremiah Turner added 11.