PREP BASKETBALL: HART HIGH PLAYERS ON A ROLL.

Byline: SEAN CEGLINSKY Special to the Daily News

Mike Montgomery garners the most attention from opposing defenses, and deservedly so, considering the Hart High junior leads the boys' basketball team in nearly every significant offensive category, including points, rebounds, blocks and steals.

However, the Indians would not be enjoying the success they are without role players such as Brian Kimble, Levi Wenrich, Michael Moloznik, Brad Wyche and Michael Choung.

``I've always said that the key to winning is having everyone involved and contributing,'' Hart coach Tom Kelly said. ``These guys understand that. They've embraced the theory.''

That was apparent this past week during the San Fernando Valley Invitational Tournament, where Hart (9-2), ranked No. 12 by the Daily News, won its first four games to advance to the championship game against Knight of Palmdale, ranked No. 10.

The Indians might not have made the finals if not for the efforts from their bench in a 73-67 overtime victory in the semifinals against Chatsworth, ranked No. 6.

Hart led by as many as 10 points in the first half, but the Chancellors came back to take their first lead of the game with 3:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. Wenrich answered with five free-throws down the stretch to ensure the game would go into overtime.

Choung and Wyche provided steady defensive play over the final four minutes, Kimble came up with a big steal and layup for a 68-65 lead with less than a minute to play and Moloznik made a free-throw to give Hart and insurmountable four-point lead with 24 seconds remaining on the clock.

``This was a team win,'' Kelly said. ``If we keep playing like this we're going to be tough to beat.''

The Indians will play host to the Hart Holiday Classic this week and open up first round play against Van Nuys on Wednesday.

Beyond that, Foothill League play begins Jan. 9 against Saugus.

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