Boys’ basketball: Hart defense stifles St. Francis in fourth quarter [Video]

Tied after three quarters at 48-48, Hart and St. Francis seemed headed to a close finish on Monday night in a battle of two 7-1 basketball teams. But the Indians’ defense took charge in the final eight minutes, not allowing a single basket en route to a 63-54 victory.

Lewis Stallworth finished with 21 points. Andrew MacArthur had 12 points and reserve guard Colby Kaneshiro made key contributions on defense and with a couple of baskets in the fourth quarter for Hart (8-1).

Hart was able to stop St. Francis’ Kyle Leufroy, who had made eight consecutive shots at one point in the third quarter. He was limited to two free throws in the fourth quarter and finished with 25 points.

Hart finally got its football players back who were involved in a regional bowl game. Tight end Davis Koppenhaver still had his football instincts going and got into some foul trouble, but by the fourth quarter, his athleticism was kicking in and he gave a big boost rebounding and playing defense.

Foothill League rival Canyon County Canyon improved to 10-1 with a 63-24 win over Santa Clara. Marc Cabrera scored 19 points.

In Florida, St. John Bosco won the consolation championship of the City of Palms tournament with an 89-83 victory over Oakridge. Daniel Hamilton scored 34 points and Tyler Dorsey 25.

In the Santa Margarita tournament, Trabuco Hills defeated Palos Verdes, 64-47. Scott Majors had 19 points and 13 rebounds. San Diego St. Augustine won the championship with a win over Santa Margarita.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com