SO. SECTION DIV. I-AA BOYS' BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: CINDERELLA BALL HART PLAYERS HOPING TO UPSET NATIONAL POWER ETIWANDA.Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer NEWHALL - An underdog since the beginning of the playoffs, Hart High feels like it has nothing to lose in the Southern Section Div. I-AA boys' basketball championship against national power Etiwanda (29-1) at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim. ``Yes, it's a big challenge, but there's no pressure on us. It's all on them,'' senior Derrick Onwuachi said. ``At this point, winning would just be a plus.'' Hart (19-12) began the season 3-5, lost its first two Foothill League games, and sneaked into the playoffs as the league's third-place team. Top-seeded Etiwanda, which has won 15 in a row, has three starters back after finishing last season as the division's runner-up and advancing to the third round of the state playoffs. Led by All-America candidate Darren Collison Darren Michael Collison (born August 23, 1987) is an American basketball player. The right-hander is a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and is currently playing his sophomore season for the University of California, Los Angeles. and 6-foot-10 Jeff Pendergraph, Etiwanda is ranked No. 2 in California by Cal-Hi Sports and No. 6 in the nation by USA Today USA Today National U.S. daily general-interest newspaper, the first of its kind. Launched in 1982 by Allen Neuharth, head of the Gannett newspaper chain, it reached a circulation of one million within a year and surpassed two million in the 1990s. . Three of Etiwanda's five starters have committed to Division I universities - point guard Collison has signed with UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX , Pendergraph to Arizona State and forward Marcus Carter to Portland - and the other two, guard David Carter People called David Carter include:
Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons said it's been at least eight years since a wild-card entry has advanced to a section final. Hart is in the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of a Cinderella season, highlighted by a shocking upset over second-seeded Rancho Verde of Moreno Valley Moreno Valley (mərē`nō), city (1990 pop. 118,779), Riverside co., S Calif., inc. 1984. In 1990, Moreno Valley was California's fastest-growing city, with a population increase of more than 300% between 1980 and 1990, but major reductions in the second round. If Hart somehow pulls out a victory Saturday, you can bet the boys will cut the nets down, and a massive red and black celebration will follow. Founded in 1945, Hart previously has reached one boys' basketball final, losing to San Marino San Marino, city, United States San Marino (săn mərē`nō), residential city (1990 pop. 12,959), Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1913. Of interest is the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. in the 2A final in 1959. Certainly, a victory over Etiwanda would be the school's most significant upset ever - in any sport. Not many people give Hart much of a chance, but that's OK as far as the kids are concerned. ``Well, we've made it this far. Now all the pressure is on Etiwanda, so maybe that makes it a little easier for us,'' senior Jordi Ubaldo said. Coach Tom Kelly's only hope is for Hart to not be intimidated. Then, perhaps, Hart can seize the early momentum - which is the only way to pull off an upset, Kelly figures. ``The first four minutes will tell the tale,'' Kelly said. ``We've got to stay with them early so we can get some confidence.'' Etiwanda has other plans. This is the third championship appearance in coach Dave Kleckner's ninth season, and he's hoping to win his first title. Etiwanda has won 60 games over the past two seasons, and Kleckner is 259-103 overall. Kelly is 101-41 and Hart has advanced past the quarterfinals for the first time in his five-year career. Wolfe is averaging more than 20 points per game during the playoffs, including a career-high 32 against Rancho Verde. Streaky streak·y adj. streak·i·er, streak·i·est 1. Marked with, characterized by, or occurring in streaks. 2. Variable or uneven in character or quality. shooter Josh Herman (19.0 average in past two games) and defensive specialists Ryan Russell Ryan Russell (born 9 April, 1987 in Dunfermline, Scotland) is a Scottish footballer who currently plays in midfield for Dumbarton in the Scottish Second Division. Trivia
Tickets are available at Hart through noon today, and at the Arrowhead Pond box office Saturday. The cost is $12 (reserved), $10 (general admission) and $5 (students with ID, children). Parking is $10. By reaching the final, the teams have qualified for the State playoffs which begin Tuesday. Pairings for that tournament are expected to be announced To be announced (TBA) A contract for the purchase or sale of an MBS to be delivered at an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools or precise amount to be delivered. Sunday. Gerry Gittelson, (661) 257-5218 gerry.gittelson(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 3 photos, 3 boxes Photo: (1) Forward Josh Herman's play - he's averaging 19 points in his past two games - will be key for Hart. Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News (2) Hart basketball coach Tom Kelley Tom Kelley is the General Manager of IDEO. He is author of The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. Prior to joining IDEO, Tom was a management consultant for Towers Perrin, advising senior executives on organizational and operational issues in North America, is hoping his team can gain some confidence by playing well early against Etiwanda. David Crane/Staff Photographer (3) WOLFE Box: (1) HART (2) ETIWANDA (3) MATCHUPS |
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