Jivcu Makes Key Plays as Katella Beats Loara

Ben Jivcu made two game-breaking defensive plays Friday night, helping Katella top Loara, 63-60, in an Empire League boys’ basketball game at Katella.

Jivcu capped a late Katella comeback when he converted a steal into a layup with 32 seconds left, giving the Knights a 61-60 lead.

“This is the biggest thrill of my life,” he said. “I was totally numb after that play.”

Well, not totally. Jivcu had enough feeling left to lock up Loara guard Wes Wardrop on the next play, forcing a five-second violation with 21 seconds left.

Moments later, a pair of free throws by Nick Novella gave the Knights (12-13, 6-4) a cushion, and gave the Saxons (17-9, 8-2) a second-place finish in the Empire League.

A victory would have given Loara a share of the league title.

Instead El Dorado, which won Friday at Century, 62-41, has the championship all to itself.

Katella committed eight first-quarter turnovers but still took a 22-19 lead. But Loara also would prove to be generous, with 18 turnovers for the game.

Loara’s Dan Melton did his part to help swing the momentum in the Katella gym, packed with boisterous fans from both sides.

Melton finished with a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds and helped the Saxons take a 60-55 lead after a 14-5 fourth-quarter run.

After that, it was all Katella.

Jumpers by Phillip Tyson (14 points) and Darren Sack got the Knights to within one and set the stage for Jivcu’s heroics.

Nick Novella had 15 for Katella, which finished in third place.

Wardrop and Jordan Roberson each had 10 for Loara.