Capistrano Valley Fast Breaks Past Los Alamitos, Advances

Using quick hands, a stifling defense and a devastating fast break, Capistrano Valley, Orange County’s third-ranked team ran past Los Alamitos, 64-38, in a Southern Section Division I-AAA boys’ basketball second-round game Tuesday at Capistrano Valley.

With the victory, the Cougars advance to Friday night’s quarterfinals against Chino Hills Ayala, which defeated Long Beach Poly, 54-51.

The Cougars (24-3) led, 28-14, at halftime and used an eight-minute 16-0 run to increase their advantage to 55-19 with six minutes remaining.

Capistrano Valley forced 15 turnovers and made 12 steals. After each of Peter De Casas’ four steals, he scored baskets. Teammates Jeff Gloger and Jake Franzen also converted their two steals into easy baskets.

Franzen scored 17 points, De Casas had 13 and Gloger finished with eight points and nine assists. Franzen had five rebounds, and De Casas and Bryan Mallon each had four.

“We played good team defense and blocked out well and that led to our fast breaks,” said Cougar Coach Brian Mulligan. “We had some good success when we do those two things and that led to our success tonight. Then it kind of escalated.”

Center Brian Rakusin had 10 points and five rebounds, and was the only Los Alamitos player to score in double figures.

The Griffins (18-10) got within 12-7, but Capistrano Valley closed out the first quarter with a 10-2 run, six points coming on fast breaks after steals.

Los Alamitos made nine of 12 free throws in the final 2 minutes 23 seconds against Capistrano Valley reserves.

“It was one of those nights,” Los Alamitos Coach Russ May said. “We ran into a very good team--and when you’re on the road, don’t shoot very well and turn the ball over like we did, things like this are going to happen.”