Tony AltobelliSAN DIMAS - A relentless effort...

Tony Altobelli

SAN DIMAS - A relentless effort and no fear, that’s all Corona del

Mar High Coach Paul Orris asks of his boys basketball team.

On Friday night, Orris’ Sea Kings responded, but still lost, 60-54, to

host San Dimas in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division

III-AA playoffs.

Orris told his players to put out so much effort that it would make

the Saints “curse in astonishment,” so to speak.

CdM’s senior guard Idean Shahangian might have had the Saints cursing.

He scored a game-high 25 points, including three three-pointers.

Sea Kings’ forward Charlie Alshuler finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Zach Brewster chipped in 10 points.

“I can’t fault the guys for the effort they gave,” Orris said. “They

never quit. I’m really proud of their effort. We went out winners; that’s

the effort they gave.”

After trailing, 47-37, with 1:46 remaining in the third quarter, CdM

(12-17) made its comeback. Shahangian knocked down a three-pointer with

two seconds left to pull to within 47-44.

The Sea Kings then chipped the deficit to, 57-54, after Shahangian hit

two free throws with 32 seconds remaining. The Saints (24-3) then ran out

the clock and converted 3 of 4 free-throw attempts.

“It’s our effort that got us as far as we are,” Shahangian said. “I

thought we played harder, but we just couldn’t finish it at the end.”

The Sea Kings had an answer for every San Dimas scoring run. After the

opening five minutes, CdM led, 8-5.

But the Saints, Valle Vista champions for the past 11 years, closed out the quarter with a 13-4 run. San Dimas hit 4 of 5 three-pointers in

the first eight minutes.

The Saints were led by Jason Greenlee, who scored 22 points, leading

the San Dimas starters, who produced all the team’s scoring.

After Shahangian’s three-pointer to close out the third quarter, Orris

intensified his plea for a greater effort. His face turned red as he told

his players, “...to leave it all on the floor,” before the fourth quarter

began.

“Definitely, we came a long way this season,” senior guard Eric Snell

said. “From where we started to where we are right now is amazing because

of hard work and great coaching by Paul Orris.”

CdM forward Matt Marston got into foul trouble early, allowing Dave

Richardson and Taumata Grey to step in. Grey had five rebounds, one steal

and two points, while Richardson grabbed four rebounds and blocked a shot

in limited action.