Garfield High School's Harim Coronado is pressured by Jordan's Rudolph Drayton on a drive up court during Monday's game. Jordan won, 64-59. (Photo by Gary McCarthy)
Story Published:
Jan 26, 2010 at 6:35 PM PDT
Story Updated:
Jan 27, 2010 at 1:24 PM PDT
Just because a seventh consecutive Eastern League title is a likelihood doesn’t mean the Jordan High School boys basketball team always has a smooth path to its destination.
As Bulldogs coach Van Myers said, Jordan has a target on its back, so it can always expect a strong effort from fellow league schools.
Visiting Garfield was the latest to give them a serious test before falling, 64-59 Monday.
Davian Wilson’s five free throws in the final 25 seconds enabled the Bulldogs (12-9, 6-0) to remain unbeaten in league. Garfield is 12-2 overall, 3-2 in league.
“This is why you don’t take anyone lightly in league,” Myers said. “I try to impress on my players you can’t relax or you’ll lose. They don’t always realize that.”
Although Garfield was giving up size and quickness to Jordan, it stayed within striking distance the entire way and had chances to win at the end.
The Bulldogs closed the gap to a single point on two occasions and were twice within three in the final minute. Agustin Alcantar hit a 3-point shot with two minutes left to make it a 56-54 score and two free throws with 29 seconds left to bring them to within 59-56.
Wilson went 3-for-4 at the free throw line to put Jordan back up 62-56, but David Laroue hit a 3-pointer with two seconds left to cut it to three. Wilson was fouled on the inbounds pass and hit his free throws to account for the final margin.
Christopher Ashanti led Jordan with 25 points and eight rebounds. Wilson, the point guard, had 18 points, 11 in the fourth quarter.
“I thought Ashanti and Wilson stepped up and showed their leadership,” Myers said. “Still, I thought we had too many turnovers and too many missed layups. I felt we played bad tonight.”
Agustin Alcantar had 15 points and six rebounds and Laroue had 14 points, the majority on four 3-pointers.
Harim Coronado had 10 points and eight assists and Julian Sandoval had seven points and 12 rebounds for Garfield, which hosts South East Wednesday and South Gate Friday. Jordan hosts South East Friday. All games tip off at 5:30 p.m.
South East 51, Roosevelt 39
Senior Brian Gonzalez scored 24 points to lead South East (9-7, 3-2) to a 12-point victory over Roosevelt (4-11, 0-4) in Eastern League play. Peter Rodriguez added nine points.
The Jaguars led, 29-21 at halftime and slowly added to the advantage after the break.
Bell 47, South Gate 35
Bell improved to 7-9 overall and 3-2 in the Eastern League with the victory over South Gate (7-12, 1-4).
Northern League
Franklin 71, Lincoln 53
Julio Duarte had 19 points and hit five 3-pointers in leading Franklin (11-8, 4-0) to a 71-53 Northern League victory over Lincoln (2-8, 2-1) Friday.
Zeve Sanderson added 17 points and Alex Perea got 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Panthers.
Willie McWilliams scored 18 points and Albert Bermudez added 12 for Lincoln.
Belmont 53, Eagle Rock 50
Albert Sapath scored 17 points and Shakur Shaquille added 10 as Belmont (5-9, 1-3) edged Eagle Rock (1-8, 0-4).
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Eastern League
Bell 59, South Gate 29
Erendira Calderon scored 18 points and Jessica Cordova had 16 as Bell (4-7, 1-4) easily defeated South Gate (0-12, 0-5) in Eastern League play Monday. Bianca Garcia added 10 points for the Eagles.
South East 65, Roosevelt 58
Cynthia Cu scored 29 points to lead South East to a seven-point victory over Roosevelt Monday.
Portia Tapscott added 11 points for the Jaguars (16-7, 4-1). Roosevelt is 11-9, 3-2.
Garfield 51, Jordan 45
Garfield (10-9, 3-2) defeated Jordan, 51-45 Monday in an Eastern League game.
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