Santa Clarita Christian vs HCS Stats 2-17-06

Hesperia Christian opened defense of their number one seeding in the 2006 Div VAA playoffs with a convincing win over Santa Clarita Christian 60-44 in Hesperia. Senior captain Mike Petersen led the way with another double double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. Petersen had 18 points in the first half alone, keeping HCS in contention. Zach Howard supported the effort with 13 points and only two turnovers. Frosh sensation Jordan Vargas provided 10 points (including 6/6 from the charity line), eight rebounds and six assists.

But aside from Petersen's outstanding offensive display, the real story tonight was the outstanding defense played by all the Patriot players especially Billy Hague. HCS held Santa Clarita Christian to only 44 points, almost 20 points below their average. Every Cardinal except Scott Gilmore was held below their shooting average. None were in double figures.

Hesperia Christian shot a phenomenal 71% from the free throw line. They also were 29% from three point land. Mike Petersen's double double was even more amazing considering that SCC's Jared Dennis held, pushed and shoved him most of the game, bordering on assault in many states. HCS' game plan concocted by the coaching staff was superb. The coaches also kept HCS focused in their particulary poor first quarter. Considering that this was the Patriot's first real challenging basketball game since early January, their performance was A+. In the championship quarter, HCS put SCC away 17-6 ensuring the victory.

With this victory, HCS now is 20-6, their first 20 game wins in the modern era. Now they will face Upland Christian, the Metro League champions in the quarterfinals in a location to be determined by a coin flip Saturday at CIF headquarters.

The Cardinals qualified for this second round match by beating Newbury Park Adventist 63-60 on Wednesday night in Santa Clarita. Hesperia Christian had a bye in the first round as the number one seed and first place finisher in the Agape League.

The winner of this second round match will go on to play Upland Christian in quarterfinal action on next Tuesday night at a location to be based on a coin toss.

The key to victory tonight will be defense, free throws and lack of turnovers. HCS needs to again 39-40 rebounds. Their superior size to the SCC players dictates that must happen. SCC will have to foul in the fourth quarter and HCS better be ready to shoot 70% or higher from every shooter tonight. And finally turnovers or lack of turnovers will be critical for HCS to have success tonight. And now is the time for HCS to send a message to the rest of Div VAA that they are here to play. If they get ahead early, they cannot let up. HCS should win by 5 points.

Mike Petersen dominated the first half. Zach Howard driving for two of his 13 points.

Mike Petersen owned the boards with 11 rebounds. HCS' tight defense was the key to victory.

Return Links

HCS Home Page
HCS Varsity Boys Page
HCS Schedule and Record 2005-2006 Page
HCS Varsity Boys' 2005-2006 Team Statistics Page