By Matt Schuler
(La Verne)- The gym was filled to capacity and the atmosphere was fitting for a rivalry as Damien edged out cross town neighbor Bonita 52-44 Tuesday night in an elimination match on their home court.
The Spartans advanced to the CIF Southern Section Semi Finals on Tuesday night for the second consecutive season.
J.J Pavia scored 10 points, Gian Demano and Clayton White both added nine, but defense is what really lifted the Spartans attack.
Chris Reyes, a 6’7 junior, protected the rim with authority all night and finished with eight blocked shots and eight rebounds, to add to his 6 points.
“I just like to play defense” said Reyes. “I don’t look to score.”
Leading by two late in the fourth, 46-44, Damien’s White threw up a running floater that bounced off the rim, but Reyes was right there for the put back to extend the lead to 48-44 with 55 seconds remaining in the final quarter.
“We all made some good shots,” said Damien coach Matt Dunn after the quarter final victory. “What a great atmosphere – two really, really good teams, and we were lucky to win.”
The Bearcats Jordan Butler led all scorers with 15 points, James Northup added 10, but it wasn’t enough as their season finished at 26-4.
Garrett Horine finished with eight points and six boards for Bonita.
This match up in the quarter finals was the ninth meeting between these two teams since the 2004 season and officially can be called a rivalry.
Damien now travels to play top seeded Harvard Westlake, which beat Cerritos 73-58 to advance.
Leave a Reply