Perris holds off Hemet West Valley, 75-69

By ERIC-PAUL JOHNSON
The Press-Enterprise

PERRIS - The Perris boys basketball team is not ready to give up its occupancy of the Sunbelt League's penthouse.

Kevin Young and Jeremy West made their senior night a memorable one as the Panthers held off Hemet West Valley, 75-69, Monday to clinch their third straight league title.

"Three years ago, we couldn't compete with them (Perris), but we've been getting closer the past two seasons," West Valley coach Chuck Peebles said. "We get to the doorstep, but we just can't get through the door,"

"Give Perris a lot of credit. They defend their title hard."

West Valley (19-3, 7-2 in league) was on fire offensively in the first half, knocking down 14 of 21 shots from the field. Despite those numbers, the Mustangs went into the locker room with the score tied 37-37.

"I just kept telling the kids, 'Hang in there and weather the storm,' " Perris coach Elzie Landers said. "The kids played extremely well, and I'm proud of them. They deserve all the credit."

Landers was worried about this game and for good reason. The Panthers (21-5, 9-0) had dropped two of their three previous games played on "Senior Night."

As things turned out, there was no reason to worry.

"I think having the big crowd here tonight really helped," Young said. "Everybody wants to take it (the league title) from our hands, and that's just makes us play harder and harder."

Young energized the crowd in the third quarter, throwing down three rim-rattling dunks, including a memorable reverse jam. Young scored 12 points in the quarter, helping the Panthers take a seven-point lead into the final quarter.

Perris saw an 11-point lead trimmed to three in the final minute, but senior Tre Parker converted a three-point play to seal the victory.

Juniors Joseph Burton and Eric Lawton again showed why West Valley could be the team to beat next season. Burton had 25 points and 14 rebounds and seven assists. Lawton pitched in 21 points and six assists.