Humbled Bobik Shines in Return

Aaron Bobik of Newbury Park High returned from a one-year absence Tuesday night humble and determined to make the most of his senior year.

Bobik had 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and six steals in the Panthers’ 65-57 victory over North Hollywood in an opening game of the Simi Valley tournament at Camarillo High.

Bobik, a 6-foot-3 guard, scored 10 points in helping the Panthers open a 12-0 lead. The Panthers led by as many as 28 points in the third quarter.

Last season, Bobik was suspended in December for an off-the-court incident in Las Vegas. He moved to Orange County to live with his grandparents and attended Newport Harbor. He returned to Newbury Park this fall and was grateful for the warm welcome by his teammates.

“I definitely learned my lesson and I’m glad my teammates let me back and let me play with them,” he said.

Bobik, whose older brothers Daniel and Brian were All-Southern Section players for the Panthers, tired in the fourth quarter Tuesday but should be fine once he gains stamina in his legs.

“I think he’s pretty good and he’ll show by his play he’ll be one of the best guards in the region,” Coach Steve Johnson said.

Chris Randall scored 14 points to support Bobik. Gus Ruiz had 20 points for North Hollywood.

Simi Valley 87, El Camino Real 47--The Pioneers recorded their first victory in four meetings with the Conquistadores to advance to the quarterfinals of the Simi Valley tournament.

Dustin Villepigue had 28 points and 16 rebounds, Danny Bellefontaine had 14 points and eight rebounds, and Jared Weaver added 14 points and six rebounds for the Pioneers (1-0).

Chatsworth 67, Monroe 51--Shayne Berry scored 25 points and Scott Johnston had 14 points and nine rebounds for Chatsworth (1-0). Brandon Robinson, a transfer from Sylmar, had 10 points in his Chatsworth debut.

The Chancellors play Newbury Park in a quarterfinal game tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Camarillo.

Granada Hills 73, Rio Mesa 69--Manny Cortez scored 16 points, including four-of-five three-pointers, for Granada Hills at Simi Valley High.

Eddie Degerman had 13 points and Will Seals had 12 for Granada Hills (1-0).

Camarillo 52, Santa Paula 49--Matt Wallman’s layup with 33 seconds left gave the Scorpions a one-point lead and Jim Alstot added two free throws with 20 seconds left to key the victory.

Sophomores David Reichel and Derek Rasp, and junior Brad Boyer made important contributions in the fourth quarter for Camarillo, which plays Chaminade in a quarterfinal game tonight at 8.

Chaminade 75, Ventura 36--Scott Borchart made eight of 11 shots and finished with 17 points, and Jeff Hufford added 13 points for Chaminade.

Ventura played without starters and reserves who are still in the football playoffs.

Santa Clara 60, Littlerock 51--Donzell Davis scored 19 points and Tim Lajoie had 18 for Santa Clara (1-0) at Simi Valley.

Jason Smith had 24 points and six assists for Littlerock (1-1).

Taft 87, Royal 46--Steve Smith had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Toreadors to victory at Simi Valley.

Mustafa Asghari had 19 points for Taft (1-0), which made 21 steals.