pat mckinney dons game 127

SoCal High School & Prep Report

Pat McKinney: University of San Diego High
Dons Beat Scripps--(January 29, 1998)

As always, we're proud to present Pat McKinney's columns at SoCalHoops. Pat maintains a great website in San Diego featuring the University of San Diego High School Don's Basketball team. Here's his report on the Tuesday January 27 game between the Dons and Scripps Ranch. Be sure to visit the Don's site to stay in touch with this very talented group of players throughout the season and into the playoffs, where they will challenge for the State Championship in Division III.

Dons Perfect in First Half

Walton, McMillan Overcome Strong Performance by Hands

By Pat McKinney, USDHS Dons Basketball

The University of San Diego High School Dons finished the first half of Western League play a perfect 6-0 after defeating Scripps Ranch 68-55 this afternoon. Scripps senior star Aaron Hands lit it up for 31 points and 17 rebounds but it was not enough to keep his team in the game. The offense for Scripps revolves around Hands- a big, athletic player with a nice touch and a nose for the basketball. Unfortunately, he got more than he could handle from the Uni defense as he attempted 25 shots from the field in addition to making it to the line 10 times.

The Dons opened the game with a stifling defense as Uni star Luke Walton blocked two shot attempts by Hands in the first minute. The good defense helped Uni build a 7-0 lead in the first three minutes. From that point, the Dons lost intensity and Hands took over, cutting it to 9-7 in the next 90 seconds. Both teams traded baskets for the rest of the quarter until Luke ended it with a 27 footer to put the Dons up 19-16.

Scripps started the second in a zone and Luke and Ron McMillan found the seams for a couple of quick buckets. Point guard David Abramowitz picked up his second foul and sat out most of the period. Chris and Kam Walton started the game with some nice shot blocks but were removed midway through the second. With three of Uni'sbest players on the bench, Scripps found their way back, ending the half down 31-29. Hands finished the half with 18 points and nine boards on 7 for 17 shooting, while Luke led USDHS with 10 points four rebounds, and four blocks.

The Dons came out with greater intensity in the second half, as Ronnie found his way to the hold twice to push the lead to 35-29 with 6:30 to go. Kam had a nice put back to put the Dons up 40-31 with five left. This lead was maintained and the quarter ended 48-39.

Scripps was put away early in the fourth when Uni went on an 8-0 run in the first three minutes. Luke started the quarter with a 3 and the Dons were running. The biggest lead was at 61-43 and the Dons held on for a 68-55 victory.

Luke had a monster game, with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 blocks. McMillan added 20 points and 10 boards while David scored 12 to go with 6 assists. Kam Walton recorded 8 blocks for the second time in two week while Chris added 2 blocks, for a team total of 17, one shy of the school record set by the team two weeks ago against La Jolla.

Hands put in an outstanding performance by Scripps and showed why he is one of the county's top 5 scorers. Unfortunately, he had little support, as no other player wound up with double figures. Xipe Bounyavong scored 7 and Donnie Moore added 6 and 3 blocks in the loss.

Pavle Novakovic did not suit up for today's game because of the knee injury suffered last Friday against Mission Bay. His status is currently unknown.

The win sets up a Western League showdown Friday night in the Hornet's Nest with Lincoln(12-4, 5-1), currently ranked #9 in this week's poll. If the Dons win, they will surely capture another League crown. If Lincoln pulls off the upset, the league could be thrown into disarray. Brave it, Dons fans, and we'll see you there!

Be sure to check the stats over at the USDHS site.