Top-seed Providence boys’ basketball advances to CIF semifinals with win over La Serna
BURBANK — Despite knowing the strengths and advantages of its opponent, the Providence High boys’ basketball team was well aware of the task at hand in its CIF Southern Section Division III-AA quarterfinal playoff game against La Serna.
The top-seeded Pioneers locked in early on defense and used their physicality around the basket to set up a big lead against the Lancers, who trailed by 20 points at the half.
Host Providence used its lead to cruise to a 71-37 victory Tuesday against La Serna to advance to its second consecutive semifinal.
“We knew how important it was,” Providence coach Brandon Lincoln said. “We were expecting strong defense from that team and they played really well against Bishop Amat. They just knocked off a team on their home court, so we were really on-guard tonight.
“I don’t know what they were going through on the other side, but I know our guys were pretty locked in and they had their mind set on extending our season.”
Providence (24-6), the Prep League champion, will be on the road against No. 6 Hillcrest (23-8; River Valley League champion) in a semifinal contest at 7 p.m. Friday. Hillcrest Christian defeated Hart, 65-58, in its quarterfinal Tuesday.
Pioneers senior Jordan Shelley scored 11 points in the first and third quarters and finished with a game-high 25.
“I was very proud of Jordan,” said Lincoln of Shelley, who shot five-of-six from the field in the third quarter. “He played to his complete capability tonight. Great performance.”
Providence senior Bryce Whitaker added 10 points and nine assists, while senior Andrew Dabbaghian chipped in with nine points. Pioneers junior Collin Ferrell contributed seven points and eight rebounds.
Seniors Axel Mendoza and MJ Aristegui each scored seven points for the Lancers (19-10; Del Rio League champion).
Shelley attacked the rim a number of times in the first quarter to contribute six points to Providence’s 11-2 lead midway through.
Providence held La Serna to three points in the first quarter until the 2:01 mark, when Aristegui scored the Lancers’ final field goal of the frame to cut the Pioneers lead to 13-5.
Providence closed out the quarter on a 10-0 run for a 23-5 lead.
“We were a bigger team and a more physical team,” Shelley said. “We wanted to take advantage of that early. Going to the basket was the best course of action for that. I think getting points up on the board early was the best way to get us going.”
A basket from Whitaker midway into the second quarter set up a 28-8 lead for the Pioneers. The teams traded baskets until the break as the hosts led, 37-17.
“They’re bigger, faster and great shooters,” La Serna coach Marino Angulo said. “We knew we had our hands full and it got away from us early because we couldn’t handle their pressure, which was the main thing. You try to shot-fake, pass-fake — even when they jump, they’re still bigger than you are. That was tough. I was hoping to give them a bit of a match.”
A three-pointer from Shelley with 2:12 in the third capped his 11-point quarter to give the Pioneers a 54-23 lead.
A pair of baskets from La Serna cut the Providence advantage to 54-27 with 1:02 left in the third. But Providence ended the quarter with a 56-27 lead on a basket from junior Braxton Williams.
The Lancers made a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter to cut the Pioneers lead to 61-36 before Providence sophomore Chase Walker scored all eight of his points in the final period to give the hosts their largest lead, 69-37, with one minute remaining.
