MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

(Covina) – Nick Peoples scored 17 points and Sam Alvarez added 15 to lead Northview to a 55-49 win over Woodcrest Christian Friday night to advance to the CIF Division 5AA Semi-Finals.

The Vikings were down 25-20 at the half but went on an 11-0 run in the third quarter to take 31-27 lead. They outscored Woodcrest Christian 17-7 in the third to go up 37-32 heading into the fourth quarter. Alvarez led the run with 10 points in the third including a pair of three-point shots. Peoples did the work inside with a couple of buckets including a rim rattling jam.

Northview was able to hold on in the fourth although the Royals did cut the lead to two. Woodcrest Christian sent the Vikings to the line often as they shot 16 free throws. But Northview responded hitting 11 of them to secure the win.

Sam Osi was four for four from the line in the final frame and Alvarez and Peoples each hit three. Jack Hernandez also hit one from downtown for three.

The two teams were even at 11 after one. Hernandez hit two threes for Northview and the Royals hit three from long range as Riley Downs, Ezra Esparza and Jack Wheaton each buried one from deep.

Woodcrest Christian gained the advantage in the second quarter outscoring the Vikings 14-9 to grab the five-point lead at the break. Esparza had five points in the second quarter.

Northview went on the run in the third and never relinquished the lead. For the Vikings Hernandez joined Peoples and Alvarez in double figures with 10 and Emilio Perucho scored 7.

Esparza led Woodcrest Christian with 15 points while Downs and Wheaton each had 8.

Northview now moves on to the semis and will host Chaffey Tuesday night.