By Tim Peterson
(El Monte) – South El Monte fell behind by 14 points at halftime and could never recover in a 62-42 loss to Ventura in the first round of the CIF Division 5AA Boys Basketball playoffs Wednesday night at Mt. View High School.
The Eagles hung around early and were only down by five, 17-12, at the end of the first quarter. Tony Aguilar hit a couple of buckets early and Aden Segura scored five points in the first quarter to keep the Eagles close.
Ventura extend the advantage in the second quarter as Travis Valenzuela did work down low scoring ten points in the quarter including four for four from the free throw line. Kayden Hamilton had five in the quarter including a long three.
Segura and Aguilar each hit threes for South but the Eagles were outscored 17-8 in the second and were still down 34-20 at the break.
The Cougars opened up a 20-point advantage in the third quarter and were up by 17 as the third quarter came to a close. Ventura then cruised through the final frame to finish off the 20-point win.
Segura had a big night for South El Monte. He hit three treys and led the team with 15 points. Aguilar was the only other Eagle in double figures with 12 and Titus Hernandez finished with eight.
For Ventura two players scored over half of the points. Valenzuela led all scorers with 22 points and Finn Fancher (cool name) had 16 as the two combined for 38. Hamilton added five, all in the first quarter.
The Eagles finished the season 12-16 overall (9-3 in the Mission Valley League), while Ventura advances to the second round.
The Cal Condors rolled over mighty 29 Palms, 78-29, while La Serna was busy getting blown-out by Loyola, 52-28. Elsewhere, Warren stood tall in a loss to Lynwood, 103-34.
Gabrielino skated through MVL and lost home game to 3rd place team from small school
Prep League . SEM blown out in their home game. Draw your own conclusions ……