Villa Park players (from left) Diego Perez, Dakari Harris and Tristan Griffin led the Spartans to a win Friday. (PHOTOS: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone).
Locked in a tight game on Friday night against Artesia High School after three quarters, Villa Park’s boys basketball team knew it had to step up with defensive aggressiveness to close out a second round CIF Division 2A playoff game.
And the Spartans responded holding the Pioneers scoreless for over five minutes of the final period for a 47-36 victory at Artesia.
Dakari Harris led the way for Villa Park with 15 points and teammate Diego Perez recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Spartans (21-9) advance to the quarterfinals and will host St. Bonaventure, which defeated Blair on Friday, next Tuesday.
“In the second half, we started to share the ball better, move it around better and we made shots,” said Harris, who helped the Spartans win their fourth consecutive game and helped snap Artesia’s seven game winning streak. “It’s a really good win on the road for us.”
Perez had a bruising game as he was mixing it up on the boards at both ends of the floor.
“I have to give credit to Coach Ward (my center coach); he worked with me all summer to get me ready for the season,” said Perez, who played with three fouls for much of the second half. “He talks with me all the time and tells me to relax and settle down out there and don’t worry about making a mistake. The hard work has led to our team chemistry improving so much from last year.”
The Pioneers (21-8), the champions of the 605 League, came into Friday’s contest having won 15 of their last 17 games. However, the Spartans defense, led by Tristan Griffin, Perez, Harris, Sabell Khan, and Malakhi Johnson forced 18 Pioneer turnovers and never let Artesia get into an offensive rhythm.
“Our team showed grit and character,” said interim coach Jesse Mercado, who was filling in for head coach Kevin Reynolds, who has been out ill.
“In the second half, we relaxed and didn’t worry about making the big play but made the right play. We have great balance and on any given night, Harris, Perez, or Griffin help our defense buckle down. It’s the number one aspect of our game that we must continue to work hard at.”
After three quarters, the Spartans led 31-28 but surged ahead using a 13-2 run to start the final quarter. Jed Cain-Graves drilled a 3-pointer to start the quarter, followed by a basket by Chris Hauck, two free throws by Griffin, a bucket by Perez and Harris and capped off by another basket by Perez to propel the Spartans to a 44-29 lead with 2:20 to play.
Artesia did not make a basket in the final quarter until Jovell Tate’s scored with 2:13 to play but Villa Park was well in control and cruised to the win.
“We stayed composed and didn’t let them get into our head,” said Griffin, who scored eight points and helped the Spartans finish second in the Freeway League this season. “Our coach told us it was going to be a tough battle coming into this game tonight and we expected it to be physical.”
Villa Park has won nine of its last 10 games.
The game started out very aggressive and physical and Villa Park led 12-10 after one quarter. The Spartans had an opportunity to create separation in the second quarter as they held the Pioneers scoreless for over four minutes, but Villa Park committed four turnovers during that span and settled for a 21-17 halftime lead.
Cain-Graves nailed a 3-pointer to give Villa Park a 28-21 lead at the 3:24 mark of the third quarter. However, moments later, Griffin and Cayden Del Rosario collided while battling for a rebound.
Both crashed to the floor and remained down as play was stopped for several minutes. Both players appeared to bump their heads against each other. They both left the game, went to the bench on their own power and reentered the game a short time later.
Artesia finished the quarter on a 7-3 run and trailed 31-28 after three quarters. CJ Okeke led the Pioneers with 13 points.
Notes:
—-Villa Park defeated Holy Martyrs of Encino in an opening round game last Wednesday.
—Friday was the second time this season the Spartans have defeated Artesia. In November, Vila Park defeated the Pioneers 61-49.
—Los Angeles Clipper guard James Harden attended Artesia High, and a large mural of his image is displayed on the gymnasium wall.
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