PHOTOS: Ocean View helps CIF playoff chances with road victory over Godinez

Ocean View senior guard Peyton Guerrero goes on a fastbreak en route to the basket as Godinez forward Iván Pérez defends. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

After a slow start the Ocean View High boys basketball team kicked it into high gear as the Seahawks went on to defeat Godinez 54-20 in a Golden West League game Friday night at Godinez.

With only two regular season games remaining and a log jam among four teams for second-place in league, Ocean View’s win propels the Seawhawks a step closer to the CIF playoffs.

Seahawks senior guard Peyton Guerrero led all scorers with 17 points as Ocean View evened its league record at 4-4 and improved its overall record to 14-12.

“Our defense was definitely our biggest key tonight,” said Guerrero, who is averaging 20 points per game this season. “It’s been getting a bit harder to score since we started league but this is a very important and uplifting win for us. We need to keep bringing the energy each game.”

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

Ocean View's Caleb Kim attempts a pass as Godinez' Lucas Andaluz gets a hand on it.

Ocean View head coach Steve Harris talks to Brayden Ackerman during a timeout.

Godinez' Lucas Andaluz goes up for a layup as Jorian Smith-Sherry from Ocean View pursues.

Ocean View's Caleb Kim moves the ball up the court during the first quarter of the game.

Godinez' Iván Pérez looks for an open teammate during a Grizzlies' possession.

Ocean View's Peyton Guerrero looks on during an inbound play as Godinez Matthew Olvera guards him.

Godinez cheerleaders motivate the Grizzlies during the first quarter of the game.

Caleb Kim of Ocean View moves the ball up the court as Lucas Andaluz of Godinez sets up on defense.

Aaron Phan of Ocean View sets up the Seahawks offense in the first quarter of the game.

Godinez's Iván Pérez is guarded by Brayden Ackerman of Ocean View during the first quarter.

Aaron Phan drives past a set of Godinez defenders during the opening stanza of Friday night's game.

Brayden Ackerman of Ocean View drives to the basket as Iván Pérez (2) and Lucas Andaluz are in pursuit (24).

Godinez' Iván Pérez salutes his teammates during Friday night's introductions.

Lucas Andaluz of Godinez runs into the court during the PA introductions.

Godinez' Adrián González salutes his teammates as he is introduced for Friday night's contest against Ocean View.

Ocean View's Caleb Kim is greeted by his teammates as he is introduced prior to Friday's contest at Godinez.

Godinez head coach Robert Morgan talks to his players during a timeout.

Godinez' Lucas Andaluz drives to the lane as Jorian Smith-Sherry defends.

Godinez Jaiden Torres prepares to shoot during the second quarter of Friday night's game against Ocean View.

Godinez' Adrián González drives the ball up the court for the Grizzlies as Caleb Kim defends for Ocean View.

Godinez cheerleaders pose prior to Friday night's contest against Ocean View.

Luke Santiago of Ocean View looks for a teammate.

Godinez's Bryan Huirache and a trio of Ocean View players go after a loose rebound during the first quarter of Friday night's game.

Ocean View Players warm up prior to Friday night's game against Godinez.

Israel Moreno of Godinez drives to the basket during the second quarter as Blake Girotti of Ocean View defends.

Ocean View Players warm up prior to Friday night's game against Godinez.

Godinez players warm up prior to Friday night's game against Ocean View.

After falling behind 7-2 early in the first quarter, Caleb Kim gave the Seahawks a spark when he nailed two 3-pointers to ignite a 9-1 Ocean View run and give the Seahawks a 11-8 lead after eight minutes. Ocean View’s defense turned up the pressure by forcing six turnovers and holding Godinez to four points in the second-quarter as they extended its lead to 22-12 at halftime. 

“It was mostly our defense tonight,” said Kim, who made four 3-pointers and scored 12 points for the Seahawks. “It felt good to see the three’s go down tonight. I’ve been playing better the last few games, but overall we moved the ball well and got good shots.”

Ocean View pulled away in the third-quarter, exploding on a 22-2 run and scoring on nine of 11 possessions over the final seven minutes of the quarter and led 44-18 after three periods. Leroy Davis IV hit a pair of three’s and Guerrero scored nine points in the quarter to lead the Seahawks.  

Ocean View’s defense only allowed Godinez (4-4 and 10-16) to score on back-to-back possessions twice in the game.  The Seahawks aggressive defense, led by Aaron Phan, Kim, Tyler Pham, Guerrero, Blake Girotti and Brayden Ackerman prevented the Grizzlies from scoring in double digits in each quarter.

“They threw a diamond and one defense on us tonight to stop Peyton (because he’s averages 20 points per game) but the other guys stepped it up a notch,” said Seahawks Coach Steve Harris. “We rebounded well and forced turnovers.  We have two games remaining, both at home, and we have to continue to play like we did tonight to reach the playoffs.”

Despite a disappointing showing, Godinez Coach Robert Morgan remained upbeat about his team’s playoffs hopes.

“No excuses, they played hard and came in and punched us in the nose,” said Morgan. “We’ll bounce back. We’ll be in the gym for practice at 8 a.m. on Saturday to get ready for next week’s final two games.”

Aaron Gonzalez scored five points to lead Godinez. 

—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone