Central Section basketball championships: Recap, photos from Day 1 at Selland Arena
The Central High boys basketball team had a couple chances to win its sixth Central Section title.
And on two opportunities, the Grizzlies couldn’t find an open shot. Instead, Mission Prep took advantage of the missed opportunities by the Grizzlies for a 63-59 double-overtime win at Selland Arena on Friday night. It is Mission Prep’s fourth section title, according to section historian Bob Barnett.
Central had built a 11-point lead, but an ankle injury by Gerald Perry gave the Royals a chance to rally, and they did.
Perry had his ankle wrapped up and re-entered the game with the Grizzlies holding a 1-point lead.
Later, Perry carried the Grizzlies and even converted on a 3-point play after double-pumping in the air and was fouled. He hit the free throw to give the Grizzlies a 55-53 lead. The lead by Central was short-lived.
The Royals’ Roman Benedetti finished with 21 points and sent the game to double overtime with a basket.
It was redemption for Mission Prep who came up short five times in the title games.
Perry led the Grizzlies with 31 points.
Division II girls
On the day when former Sierra Pacific head coach Amy Bush was recognized by the Central Section, the Golden Bears handled business in a 50-43 victory.
Bush stepped down at the end of last season after finishing with 213 wins in nine seasons. Victor Chavvarin took over for Bush and has done a good job in guiding Sierra Pacific to a 23-8 overall record. The Golden Bears finished tied in first place with Immanuel at 7-1 in the Tri-County Conference.
Sierra Pacific knew it wouldn’t be easy against Monache, which won the section title last season.
The Marauders outscored Sierra Pacific 18-12 in the third quarter to trail 38-37. Defense was the theme in the fourth quarter and the Golden Bears clamped down to defeat Monache 50-43.
Andi Jones led Sierra Pacific with 11 points while Apajok Ayen added 10 points.
Milly Rojas finished with 13 points to lead Monache.
Division IV girls
Immanuel was too much for Santa Ynez.
The Eagles broke the game open for good in the third quarter, outscoring the Pirates 14-7 in the third quarter for a 58-36 victory, giving Immanuel back-to-back section titles under coach Loren LeBeau.
Overall, the Eagles have won seven section titles.
Thomas and Goertzen each scored 16 points apiece for Immanuel.
Division IV boys
Adam Milwee scored 27 points to lead Fresno Christian to a 73-50 victory over Monache.
Milwee made five 3-pointers.
Noah Coutton added 18 points and Devin Gaines chipped in with 14 for Fresno Christian, which has won six section titles - the last coming in 2020.
Division VI boys
In a highly-contested contest between Chowchilla and Fowler, the Tribe staved off a late comeback for a 63-59 victory.
The Tribe had a double-digit lead in the first half led by Zayne Smith’s five 3-pointers in the first half. He finished the game with 24 points, giving Chowchilla its first second title since 1993.
Jerod Smith led the Redcats with 20 points.
Division VI girls
Melanie Navarro scored 16 points and Brianna Jara finished with 15 points as Lindsay are now back-to-back champions after a 44-38 victory over Summit Charter. The Cardinals have now won four section titles.
