Central High tried to press its way to a Southern California regional boys basketball playoff victory, using the same approach the Grizzlies rode to 22 victories and a Central Section Division I runner-up finish this season.
But it would not faze Los Angeles Section champion Westchester for long.
Central's press stymied Westchester briefly in the first half, but the second-seeded Comets pulled away in the second half for an 85-51 victory Monday night. Westchester moves on to play El Camino-Oceanside in a regional quarterfinal tonight.
"We had a little bit of hope there, but they just took off on a run," Grizzlies assistant Ron Rinehart said. "They were just too big and quick for us."
Westchester (31-2) stormed out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter. But Central - behind its swarming press - eventually cut the deficit to three points with 3 minutes left in the second quarter.
The Grizzlies would get no closer.
"Our pressure broke them down in the first two quarters," Rinehart said. "But they made an adjustment at halftime. Our pressure wasn't a problem for them in the second half."
Rakim Brown scored 19 points and Anthony Trammell added 13 for Central.
For Westchester, Jordan Mayes had 19 points, Reggie Murphy 17 and Dominique O'Conner and Dwyane Polee added 10 apiece. Polee has committed to USC.
A few rules are needed to help foster a feeling of community. We encourage a free and open exchange of ideas in a climate of mutual respect, but any post that violates someone's right to use and enjoy fresnobee.com is prohibited. Before you post, please read the terms of use and obey these simple guidelines.
Here are the ground rules:
Contents of this site are © Copyright The Fresno Bee. All rights reserved.
E-Mail
Print
Edison Tigers tamed by Sidney, Lions
@Nyx.CommentBody@