Pali High Boys Basketball Wins Last Two Games at Maranatha Tournament
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
A work in progress.
That’s how Palisades High boys basketball coach Donzell Hayes described his team heading into the 2015-16 season.
Missing two of their better shooters in Chris Kurihara (who is injured) and Jeron Artest (not yet eligible under City Section transfer rules), the Dolphins opened their campaign last week at the Rose City Roundball Classic in Pasadena and after lopsided losses to CantwellSacred Heart and Highland, they rebounded with victories over Firebaugh and Price to finish in 13th place at Maranatha High.
Palisades scored the first nine points against Cantwell-Sacred Heart last Tuesday, but the Cardinals ended the first quarter on a 16-0 run and opened a 40-19 halftime lead on their way to a 75-45 victory.
“That was a very, very good team,” Hayes said.
Photo: Steve Galluzzo
Two nights later against Highland, Will Johnson scored 19 points and Nick Kerkorian added 11, but the Dolphins lost 72-48.
“Rebounding and transition defense – that’s what we need to focus on first,” Hayes said afterward. “If we can do those two things we’re going to win games.”
The Dolphins didn’t make their coach wait long, routing Firebaugh by 40 points last Friday. Johnson led the way with 23 points, George Brown added 18 points and eight rebounds and Angel Villalta had 11 points and five rebounds.
Photo: Steve Galluzzo
Kerkorian scored 17 points and Villalta added 16, including eight points in the final minute and a half, in Saturday’s 63-60 triumph over Price. Villalta hit a three-pointer to tie the game 58-58 and sank the game-clinching free throws with 4.5 seconds remaining.
“We’re starting to work together and trust each other now,” Villalta said. “I’m a catch-and-shoot guy and I was able to make some shots.”
Palisades’ momentum carried over to Monday when they made it three straight wins by withstanding a late Westminster rally to prevail 64-60 in pool play of the Beach Bash at Corona del Mar High in Newport Beach.
“All of us can shoot and after the Highland game we made a concerted effort to get back on defense,” said Johnson, who led the Dolphins with 24 points. “We have to play a drive-and-kick type of game. If my team needs me to score, I’ll shoot more but our No. 1 priority is always defense.”
Palisades resumed pool play yesterday against Trabuco Hills.
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