Lightning rolls to 61-35 win

NEWPORT COAST -- The Sage Hill School boys basketball team

protected sole possession of third place in the Academy League by

topping visiting Capistrano Valley Christian, 61-35, Friday night.

Junior Kevin Joyce, who sprained his ankle in practice Wednesday

and was questionable for the game, scored 14 of his 17 points to fuel

a 24-10 third-quarter edge for the Lightning, which extended its

12-point halftime lead to 50-24.

Michael Fitzhugh led the winners with 19 points, while adding

eight rebounds and five assists.

Sage Hill improved to 9-12, 4-4 in league. A split with

second-place Whitney and last-place Oxford Academy, combined with two

wins by Brethren Christian next week (over Oxford and CVC), would set

up a third-place playoff game Friday between Sage Hill and Brethren

Christian at a site to be determined.

The same two teams tied for third last year, with Brethren

advancing by winning the third-place playoff.