Jeff TullyHarout Messrelian almost didn’t stick it...

Jeff Tully

Harout Messrelian almost didn’t stick it out as a basketball player

for the Providence High boys’ team his freshmen season, because he

didn’t know if he had enough time to devote to the sport.

Three years later, the senior Pioneer standout has become one of

the best players in school history.

Unfortunately, Messrelian’s fine career came to an end Friday, as

the Pioneers fell to L.A. Daniel Murphy, 72-58, in a CIF Southern

Section Division IVAA second-round game at Providence.

“Harout is not only a great player, but he’s a very good student

and a fine person,” Providence co-Coach Robert Mena said. “He has

really came a long way.”

Messrelian scored 27 points, including three three-pointers, for

Providence (18-6).

However, he was overshadowed by the play of Daniel Murphy (19-9)

junior Chuma Awaji, who scored 42 points and had six three-pointers.

As much as Messrelian and the Pioneers tried to will themselves to

a win, they were no match for the more athletic and quicker Nobles.

“Except for [Awaji’s] long shots, most of their points came in the

paint,” Providence co-Coach Paolo Velasco said. “Most our shots had

to come from the outside.

“We just don’t see teams this athletic in our league, and I wish

we could play more teams like [Daniel Murphy.]”

The Pioneers fell behind early, as the Nobles ran out to a 22-13

first-quarter lead on a 14-point effort from Awaji.

As Providence tried to narrow the lead, Daniel Murphy continued to

counter with strong offensive pushes.

P.J. Sison had nine points for the Pioneers and Ian

Breckenridge-Jackson added six points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

The Pioneers opened the playoffs on Wednesday with a 61-36

first-round victory at Carpinteria.

Messrelian scored 21 points and Breckenridge-Jackson added 10

points and 14 rebounds.

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BOX SCORE

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*--*

Daniel Murphy 22 18 12 20 -- 72

Providence 13 13 7 25 -- 58

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DANIEL MURPHY

Awaji 42, Dufa 13, Hughes 6, Perroit 4 and 10 rebounds,

Sorrano-Hewett 3, Cunningham 2, Tuner 2. * Three-pointers: Awaji 6

PROVIDENCE

Messrelian 27, Sison 9, Breckenridge-Jackson 6, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, Youssefian 5, Catota 3, Desai 3, Nepomuceno 3, Boucher 2. *

Three-pointers: Messrelian 3, Catota, Sison, Desai

*--*