Brea Tournament : Wildcats Manage a 61-53 Win

Brea-Olinda High School basketball Coach Gene Lloyd said he always does his best to see that his Wildcats make the finals of their own tournament.

But somebody should remind Lloyd’s players that the tournament director still needs their help.

Only the Wildcats’ consistency at the free throw line in Monday’s semifinal rescued them from an upset by University. After making 23 of 33 free throws, Brea (9-3) slipped away with a 61-53 victory.

The Trojans (4-5), led by sophomore guard Steve Stolzoff’s 16 points, shadowed highly-favored Brea, staying within five points for much of the game.

But the zealous Trojans committed the majority of the fouls and turnovers. Brea’s Kevin Walker, who entered the game with an 85% shooting percentage at the line, made 13 of 16 free throw attempts, or four more than the entire University team (9 of 14). The 6-10 center, averaging 25 points a game and bound for UCLA, finished the game with 29 points.

The Trojans play El Dorado for third place tonight at 6:30, followed by the championship game between Brea and Woodbridge at 8:15.

In other Brea Tournament action:

Woodbridge 84, El Dorado 78--Mike Murphy and Ryan Bettencourt each hit 4 of 4 free throws in the final three minutes to lead the Warriors (10-2) into the championship game.

Diamond Bar 70, Sunny Hills 51--Mike Oku and Dean Dulude combined for 39 points to lead Diamond Bar to the consolation semifinal win.

SUNNY HILLS (51)--Henderson 10, Carpenter 10, Moore 9, Estes 6, Chisom 2, Pearson 2, Lee 2, Drakos 8, Fennell 2.

Schurr 55, Anaheim 44--Chris Wolf scored 14 points as Schurr won the other consolation semifinal game.

Pomona 74, Fullerton 50--Tyrone Greer had a game-high 19 points to lead Pomona to the fifth-place semifinal win.

Pacifica 67, Trabuco Hills JV 50--Mike Short had 12 points and Rick Brodt 11 to lead the Mariners into the fifth-place game.