Segerstrom takes control early, rolls to non-league victory over Saddleback

Segerstrom players head to the sidelines following a timeout Friday. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Segerstrom’s boys basketball team used a balanced scoring attack Friday to defeat Saddleback 51-34 in a non-league game at Saddleback.

It was the fifth victory in a row for Coach Rex Gonzales’ Jaguars (7-3).

Noah Martinez led the way for Segerstrom with 14 points. Angello Ramirez had 12 points and Ethan Rodriguez 10 points for Segerstrom, which jumped out to an early 9-2 lead and was in control the rest of the way.

“It was pretty balanced scoring, I think it was the first time having three guys in double digits,” Gonzales said. “Our depth helps out a lot, we have a lot of guards who are physical and can do a lot of things instead of just dribbling the ball and bringing it up.

“We’ve been on a little winning streak which is good for us, we’ve been playing hard, it’s a big difference from last year to this year. We’re just playing hard, that’s what I asked last year and what I continue to ask again and again and again, if we play hard, somehow the ball is going to bounce our way and it’s been bouncing our way for the last five games.”

Segerstrom led 14-4 after one quarter and moved out to a 22-6 edge with 3:25 left in the second quarter.

The Jaguars led 24-12 at halftime.

Saddleback (5-5) was able to hang around, cutting the lead to 13 points midway through the fourth quarter on a basket by Christopher Trotter. But Segerstrom, which missed 14 free throws, was able to finish strong.

Trotter led the Roadrunners with 20 points, but was the only Saddleback player in double figures.

“The boys played hard tonight,” said Saddleback Coach Chris Emaguna. “Congratulations to Segerstrom. We struggled a little bit to get into our offense but all in all it was a decent night. I just wish we could have put more points on the board.

“We are on the road tomorrow vs. University at the Westminster tournament at 5:30 p.m., hoping we can bounce back against those guys.”

Friday’s game started at 4 p.m. on the final day of school for students before the winter break.

“We see them (opposing players) at the local grocery store,” Gonzales said. “I like it, it’s a Friday and as you can see, you have almost one whole side of the gym filled up. It’s good for the city, good for both schools.”

Segerstrom’s next game is Saturday at 12:45 p.m. at home against a team from Australia.

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