hemet 214

SoCal Prep & High School Report

Riverside Report: Pre-Playoff
Last Of League Late Scores--(February 14, 1998)

It seems we overlooked the significance of a bunch of the games played in the Riverside Valley and Hemet areas on Thursday. Well, thanks to the Hemet News, we've been straightened out about those games, and where the teams in this area stand, at least locally. So here are the details. We know that there were also some games played in the area on Friday night, and we'll have those for you as soon as we can. For now though, here are some additional details on Thursday's games:

San Jacinto 69, Beaumont 68

Although Thursday's 69-68 win over Beaumont only gave them a second place finish, few can argue that the Tigers are entering the playoffs as the league's hottest team, having won five straight. Even more impressive is the fact that four of those five have come on the road. The win gives the Tigers an 18-7 overall, 7-3 league record, and almost certainly guarantees them a first-round home playoff. The Cougars entered the game tied with San Jacinto in third place, and nearly claimed second place for themselves by overcoming a ten point fourth quarter deficit. Beaumont managed to seize a 68-67 lead with 8 seconds left, before John Norman hit the game-winning basket as time expired. Murrieta led San Jacinto with 28 points, followed by Norman with 14, and Juan Mendoza with nine. The last second victory comes on the heels of the Tigers narrow three point win over West Valley Tuesday.

Yucca Valley 82, West Valley 80

At Yucca Valley, Yucca Valley converted a Nick Collins turnover into a game-winning shot Thursday night in a game West Valley coach Jim Sammon called a "hammer job." The Trojans were able to tie the game up at 80-80 with nine seconds left on desperation 3-pointer and were then able to get Collins, a junior guard, to turn the ball over. Sammon was livid after the game and said the officiating in the last five minutes of the game hurt his team. The Mustangs mounted an impressive start by outscoring the Trojans 30-21 in the first quarter and by taking a 52-46 lead at halftime. The Mustangs continued to lead through the third quarter and into the fourth quarter. Sammon said it was during the fourth quarter that the Mustangs started getting hit with fouls. The Mustangs were hit for 25 fouls, while Yucca Valley only received 15. The Mustangs finish the season 3-7 in Skyline League play and 7-19 overall.

Hemet 84, Moreno Valley 72

At Moreno Valley, the Bulldogs made their final case for a playoff spot with a big victory over the Vikings. The win finally ends Hemet's six game losing streak. The Bulldogs finish the season with a 4-6 Sunbelt League record.