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SoCal High School & Prep Report

Pat McKinney: USDHS' Season Rolls On As
Luke Gets Triple Double--(February 18, 1998)

We're pleased to present Pat McKinney's articles here at SoCalHoops, to bring you a taste of hoops from down near the border. And as you'll read, University of San Diego (not to be confused with Uni, whom they played) continues to roll. And unlike the Southern Section, which seems to end a week earlier than everyone else in the State, San Diego continues to play through the end of this week before going into playoff mode. Please remember to visit Pat McKinney's USDHS Don's Basketball Site, not only to read the original versions of his articles, but to get full stats and other great stuff, including some new pictures of a few of the Dons (Abramowitz, Luke, and more). And we've got some other exciting news from down south: There's another new basketball site in San Diego, this one dedicated to Helix High School, which is currently ranked either 9th or 6th in San Diego, depending upon which poll you read, and which just won the Grossmont South League Championship. Their site will feature news not only on their own team, but also other teams in the County. And more importantly, SoCalHoops is pleased to say that the Helix site, like the USDHS site, will be affiliated with SoCalHoops, and we'll be featuring articles and features from there soon, and they'll feature links to us too. In the meantime, here's Pat's article on the game with University City which took place today:

Walton Records Triple Double

Four Dons in Double Figures Overcome UC

By Pat McKinney

USDHS Dons Basketball Site

The University of San Diego High School Dons have played well all year long, but have been absolutely outstanding over the last month. Senior forward Luke Walton has led the charge as he has been unstoppable during this winning streak, averaging 24.7 over the last 6. It would be no different today when they faced a University City team the almost beat them the first time around. Luke did not play in that one and Ronnie McMillan only played 7 minutes. At full strength, it was no contest almost from the outset.

USDHS demonstrated the passing and defense that can make them unbeatable in a title drive. The game opened with UC taking a 4-3 lead in the first minute and a half behind slashing point guard Ashante Levette and forward Cliff Roberts. Uni got its game going as the refs really let both teams play, moving up 7-4 and finishing the first up 17-12.

The second quarter opened with a sweet one handed touch pass from David Abramowitz to McMillan to put Uni up 19-12. The Dons scored again before Luke found Ronnie on a lob to push the lead to 23-12. The defense remained tight, forcing several UC turnovers, including a coast to coast steal and layup from McMillan. Six minutes went by before UC scored as the Dons went on an 11-0 run. UC was held to 4 points in the second as the Dons shot out to a 34-16 halftime lead. Luke led all scorers with 12 while McMillan scored 8 to go with 9 boards, and Abramowitz scored 7. Cliff Roberts led UC with 8, but their team shooting was dismal. In the first game, Devin Shea and Ian Dempster made their open shots but they couldn't find it tonight. It would make all of the difference.

Roberts opened the third with a three point play to pull UC to within 16, but the Dons were off and running. Luke consistently found the open man as the Dons went on a 21-7 run, ending with a 3 three from Abramowitz to put Uni up 30 and the game out of reach. Luke wound up the third with 20 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds and it wasn't clear if he would be back.

Thanks to a shortage of players for Uni, Walton was inserted with 4 minutes to go. He quickly picked up a couple of assists and 2 defensive rebounds. It wasn't until the final minute that he would grab two offensive boards to secured the triple double: in 29 minutes, Luke scored 24 points, recorded 12 assists, and grabbed 12 rebounds. McMillan added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Abramowitz scored 15 to go with 8 assists, and Chris Walton added 12 points. Cliff Roberts led UC with 21 points and 11 boards and wound up as their only player in double figures.

Go to tonight's victory over University City for the stats.

With only one game left in the regular season, USDHS has kicked it into high gear. They will travel to Scripps Ranch Friday night to see if they can complete another perfect league season.