Relentless Westchester Brings Home State Title

It happened with lightning speed in the third quarter, a 17-0 blitz by Westchester that was delivered with pressure man-to-man defense and symbolized how the Comets have risen to the top in California high school basketball.

With Ray Reese making three-point baskets, Amir Johnson rejecting shots and Marcus Johnson racing up and down the court with endless energy, Westchester turned a two-point second-half lead into a 19-point blowout and cruised to a 66-45 victory over San Mateo Serra in the state Division I championship game in front of 5,888 Saturday night at Arco Arena.

“We have a saying that the first two minutes of a quarter, we have to come out hard and take the heart out of people,” Marcus Johnson said. “They looked defeated.”

Tommy McMahon scored in the opening seconds of the third quarter on a backdoor play. Serra didn’t score again until there was 1:58 left in the quarter. The Padres’ deficit went from 29-27 to 46-27. And it happened so fast.

Reese started the run with a three-pointer. Then Marcus Johnson scored and so did Jerard Moret. Amir Johnson blocked a shot, leading to a layup by Joey Knox. Reese followed with another three-pointer.

It was typical Comet basketball, with their defensive pressure leaving another opponent breathless.

“We got some defensive stops, deflections and layups,” Westchester Coach Ed Azzam said. “That was the game.”

Amir Johnson led the Comets (25-3) with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocked shots. Reese contributed 14 points, with Marcus Johnson and Moret scoring 13 points apiece. Serra (26-8) received 17 points from Decensae White.

“Their kids were prepared,” Azzam said of Serra. “They played hard. They took it as far as they could.”

And that’s the story about dealing with Westchester. There are periods when opponents might think they have a chance at victory. But the Comets’ defense wears on people, and with Amir Johnson patrolling the middle, it’s tough to score.

“Nobody wants to go in there with Amir because he’s going to block your shot,” Azzam said.

It was Westchester’s third state title in four years. Last year, the Comets were ineligible after the City Section banned them from postseason play because of a recruiting violation. This year’s group of seniors wanted redemption and got it.

“It feels great,” Knox said.