Hofman Points La Canada to Second Round

At 140 pounds, Billy Hofman of La Canada High realizes he isn’t going to muscle opponents.

Fortunately for the sophomore point guard, he is rapidly developing other skills.

Hofman demonstrated his shooting ability in his team’s 79-68 victory over Covina on Wednesday night in the first round of the Southern Section Division III-AA boys’ basketball playoffs at La Canada.

The point guard, whose father, Tom, is coach of the Spartans, broke loose for a career-high 25 points that included three three-point baskets.

The victory sets up a second-round game Friday at fifth-seeded Costa Mesa.

Hofman, who entered the game averaging about 11 points, doesn’t usually have to rely on his offensive skills.

This time he decided to take the initiative.

“I just felt really good before the game,” Hofman said. “If I get an open shot, I just take it. I was just fortunate to get some open looks tonight.”

His father said that is starting to happen more often lately.

“The last two weeks he’s been a little more aggressive offensively,” he said. “He enjoys his role as a point guard, but when the opportunity comes he can take advantage of it.”

Covina (13-14), which allowed Hofman plenty of looks at the basket, found that out the hard way.

The Spartans (21-6) also did a pretty good job underneath the basket, scoring numerous times from offensive rebounds by Phil Swenson and Greg Gaudino.

Swenson had 13 points and eight rebounds, and Gaudino had 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.

“The coach said we can’t rely on our three-point shooting every day,” Swenson said. “We’re going to have our off days and we have some pretty good post players.”

This was not one of those days for La Canada, which made 31 of 54 shots, including six three-point baskets.

Robbie Neyland scored 10 points, all in the first half for La Canada, making three three-point baskets.

The Spartans reached the second round of the III-AA playoffs last season. Swenson hopes the end result is different this time.

“Winning in the first round really made our season last year,” he said. “But we really think we have a legitimate shot of making it to the finals this year if we play our game.”