Crescenta Valley Streaks Past Marina

Chris Tarne helped assure the Crescenta Valley High boys’ basketball team of a victory in what could be its final game in its gymnasium.

The junior scored 24 points, including 10 as the third-seeded Falcons scored 18 consecutive points in the second quarter, in a 72-61 victory over Marina in a first-round Southern Section Division I-AA playoff game Friday night.

The Vikings (11-17) outscored Crescenta Valley, 11-1, in the final 37 seconds to make the game seem closer than it actually was.

The Falcons (21-6), trailed three times in the first quarter but took the lead for good, 15-12.

Tarne had 10 points, including two three-point baskets, during the 18-0 run which put Crescenta Valley ahead, 36-16.

“Chris carried us in that stretch,” Coach Jim Smiley of Crescenta Valley said. “He can do that. He’s proven it for two years. As good as he was, to be honest, we expected it and so did he.”

Crescenta Valley led, 40-26, at halftime and was ahead by at least 14 throughout the second half until Marina’s late run.

Sophomore guard Jimmy Goffredo scored 19, even though Smiley said he was only at 60% effectiveness after a bout with mononucleosis. James Jenkins had nine of his 13 points in the third quarter.

Crescenta Valley plays J.W. North on Tuesday at a site to be determined.

Crescenta Valley’s new gym is scheduled to open in March.