Corona Centennial, Harvard-Westlake to play for Open Division regional title

By Merry On Mar 5, 2023

The game that many hoped would take place in February, but fell through, is finally set to take place in the Southern California Regional Open Division boys’ basketball championship.

Harvard-Westlake (31-2), which was upset by St. John Bosco in Southern Section Open Division pool play, will finally face Corona Centennial in a highly anticipated Tuesday night game at Centennial. The winner will advance to the state championship on March 11 in Sacramento.

Centennial (30-3), the defending state champion, defeated San Diego St. Augustine 89-67 in the semifinals on Saturday night. Mike Price scored 24 points and Jared McCain had 23. Harvard-Westlake avenged its previous loss by defeating St. John Bosco 69-64 in a road victory. The Wolverines had not played in 15 days, but were focused on earning a chance to play Centennial.

Brady Dunlap, who said the Wolverines would “wear the memory of that 62-55 loss on their sleeves on February 14,” contributed 18 points. Jacob Huggins added 15 points. Christian Horry made a major offensive error late in the game and also scored two three-pointers off the bench.

‘We’re coming for them. We’re going to do our very best,” Dunlap told Spectrum SportsNet about playing Centennial.

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 81, Mater Dei 59: The top-seeded Knights advanced to the Division I Regional Final with a dominant performance in the second half. They will host Sierra Canyon on Tuesday in what will be the fourth time the two teams have met. Notre Dame is 3-0 against the Trailblazers this season.

Mercy Miller scored 28 points, Caleb Foster added 19, and Dusty Stromer had 15 for the Knights, who have never played for a state championship.

Orange Lutheran 51, Tesoro 50: In Division II, the Lancers avenged a loss to Tesoro last week by holding off a last-ditch effort. Orange Lutheran will play Pacifica Christian, a 60-58 winner over Oxnard, in the final. EJ Spillman scored 14 points for Pacifica Christian.

Valencia 89, Long Beach Jordan 80: The Vikings advanced to the Division IV regional finals. Mikah Ballew scored 26 points and Bryce Bedgood contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds. Valencia will play St. Bonaventure, a 71-66 San Pedro winner in overtime.