PHOTOS: TVT’s upset bid comes up short against top-seeded Blair but Lions season isn’t over

TVT players head out onto the court for the start of the second half Saturday night. (Photos Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Tarbut V’ Torah’s boys basketball team had the largest home crowd in many years cheering the Lions on Saturday night in the semifinals of the CIF Division 5A playoffs against top-seeded Blair.

The home fans, who numbered about 500, packed into the TVT gym, didn’t see an upset but they watched a determined TVT team make a run in the second half before losing to Blair 84-66.

Blair was also supported by some of its fans who crammed into the gymnasium, which has one side of bleachers.

Blair (22-10) moves on to the CIF finals next weekend vs. Santa Paula. TVT’s season isn’t over. Coach Shawn Larkins’ Lions, as a result of reaching the CIF semifinals, will play in the state tournament later this month, marking the program’s first appearance in the state tourney since 2010.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Captains from TVT (light uniforms) and Blair meet before the tip-off.

TVT'S Jacob Coblentz-Brown is introduced.

Fans packed TVT's gymnasium for the semifinal.

TVT's Yonah Light drives the lane in the second half.

Blair held a 49-26 lead at halftime, but the Lions, backed by their boisterous fans, stayed around. The Lions trailed by 14 after three quarters and cut the lead to 68-61 on a basket by Yonah Light with 3:15 left. However, Blair regained momentum and finished strong to earn the win.

“We’ve had this situation over the course of the season where we’ve had to comeback,” said assistant coach Jerry Neitlich. “We came back from 25 points, and we were down eight and then they made some good shots. Neither team quit, it was just a great game.

“These guys were the No. 1 seed, we made them work for it. We’re proud.”

Junior forward Yonah Light led TVT with 29 points (25 coming in the second half) and 15 rebounds. Jake Coblentz-Brown had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Graydon Carpet scored 11 points for TVT (14-8).

Blair had oustanding offensive production by four players, who all but two of the Vikings’ points.

Freshman Timmy Anderson led with 26 points. Shakour Sidney had 21 points, Tarynce Price 18 points and Nazsir Common 17 points.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com