SANTA BARBARA HOLIDAY CLASSIC : Royals' run halted by defending champions - Santa Barbara routs Costa Mesa in consolation round

NEWS-PRESS STAFF REP

San Marcos' Frank Nordin tries to block the shot of Santa Monica's Jamen Fearon.

December 29, 2007 8:02 AM

San Marcos has enjoyed its 11-game winning streak, and made its best bid to get win No. 12 in Friday night's semifinal in the Santa Barbara Holiday Classic against Santa Monica. But the defending champion Vikings had other ideas and turned away a Royals rally to win 50-43 at J.R. Richards Gymnasium.

"We held them to six points in the third and closed to within four points, but they made the free throws in the end and we couldn't score enough points," said San Marcos head coach Jarrod Bradley.

The Royals headlined the four local teams participating in the tournament. In the Green Division, Dos Pueblos held off Agoura 50-45 to gain a spot in the consolation championship, while Bishop Diego struggled in a 67-43 loss to South Pasadena in a Gold Division game.

The Santa Monica offense was led on the court by Edward Willis, who scored 22 points. Justin Maxwell added 11 points for the Vikings, who staked out a 31-17 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, San Marcos implemented some needed adjustments, and held Santa Monica to only six points. Nick Marquez had a trio of 3-pointers in his 13 points, which tied him for the team lead with Trevor Hopkins. Bradley also praised Frank Nordin, who was effective underneath. The Royals closed to within 45-41 midway through the final period, but that was as close as they would get, as the Vikings converted 14-of-19 free throws in the game. Bradley said his team's attack was disrupted by multiple charging fouls.

Santa Monica will now advance to the tournament championship game for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, San Marcos will face Corona del Mar in the third place game at 7 p.m.

In other Green Division action:

DOS PUEBLOS 50, AGOURA 45

In a battle of Charger teams, Dos Pueblos prevailed to earn a spot in the consolation championship against Mira Costa. Sean Park continued his outstanding play with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ryan Beall had 9 points and 10 rebounds, and DP head coach Joe Zamora praised the play of Ben Johnson coming off the bench.

"We've been watching Mira Costa, and they are a very good team and we're looking forward to playing them," said Zamora, whose team will be in action today at 2:30 p.m.

SANTA BARBARA 87, COSTA MESA 54

Roberto Nelson exploded for 32 points, including four 3-pointers as the Dons won going away. Marc Millner and Ben Weisman both scored 13 for Santa Barbara.

The Dons will try to make the best of what has been a disappointing tournament after starting out 0-2 by taking on Burroughs at 11:30 a.m.

UPLAND 51, CORONA DEL MAR 46

The Highlanders earned the right to face Santa Monica in the tournament finals, as Danny Redmon scored 21 points. The Sea Kings were led by 13 points by Clayton Ragsdale.

MIRA COSTA 62, SAUGUS 61

Mike Miller's 20 points gave the Mustangs the advantage they needed to edge the Centurions. Saugus got 19 points from senior center Cameron Deorio.

BURROUGHS 71, CURTIS (WA.) 60

Chris Smith had 19 points and Curtis Rasmussen scored 12 for the victorious Indians.

OXNARD 63, VENICE 62

Kevin Mulloy and Jamal Smith both scored 16 points to lead the Yellowjackets to victory. Jordan Borucki and Sean Ryozaki both had 12 points for the Gondoliers.

PALISADES 79, CLOVIS WEST 74

The Dolphins got 22 points from both guards Aaron Hawk-Harris and Taylor Shipley in the victory. Elliott Berry's 21 points was tops for the Golden Eagles.

GOLD DIVISION

SOUTH PASADENA 67, BISHOP DIEGO 43

Kevin Kohler and Erik Michel both scored 14 points for the Tigers in the victory. David Renick again led the Cardinals in scoring with 15 points.

OAK PARK 63, NORTHWOOD 32

The Eagles earned a spot in the Gold Division championship game against West Torrance, as Bobby Hillard had a game-high 15 points. Conner O'Brien scored 9 points for Northwood.

WEST TORRANCE 60, ST. MARGARET'S 47

The Warriors finished with a 3-0 sweep of Pool B, as M. Khanqadri scored 16 points and Sean Hinkley scored 13. The Tartans were led by Tyler Stowers' 17 points.

EAST BAKERSFIELD 72, COSTA MESA 33

The Blades had no trouble taking care of Costa Mesa, which had no better luck than when it was playing in the Green Division games.

SCORES

THIRD ROUND

GREEN DIVISION

at Santa Barbara HS

Santa Monica 50, San Marcos 43

Santa Barbara 87, Costa Mesa 54

Dos Pueblos 50, Agoura 45

Burroughs 71, Curtis 60

Mira Costa 62, Saugus 61

Oxnard 63, Venice 62

Palisades 79, Clovis West 74

Upland 51, Corona del Mar 46

GOLD DIVISION

at San Marcos HS

South Pasadena 67, Bishop Diego 43

Oak Park 63, Northwood 32

West Torrance 60, St. Margaret's 47

East Bakersfield 72, Costa Mesa 33

TODAY'S GAMES

GREEN DIVISION

at Santa Barbara HS

Santa Barbara vs. Burroughs, 11:30 a.m.

Dos Pueblos vs. Mira Costa, 2:30 p.m.

San Marcos vs. Santa Monica, 7 p.m.

Costa Mesa vs. Curtis (Wa.), 10 a.m.

Agoura vs. Saugus, 1 p.m.

Clovis West vs. Venice, 4 p.m.

Oxnard vs. Palisades, 5:30 p.m.

Santa Monica vs. Upland, 8:30 p.m.

GOLD DIVISION

at San Marcos HS

Bishop Diego vs. Costa Mesa, Noon

Northwood vs. St. Margaret's, 1 p.m.

East Bakersfield vs. South Pasadena, 3 p.m.

Oak Park vs. West Torrance, 4:30 p.m.