BOYS’ BASKETBALL : ORANGE LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Branstetter Helps Western Defeat Valencia, 56-50

Friday, Valencia appeared ready to turn the corner in its topsy-turvy season. But Western’s Vince Branstetter helped bring the Tigers back to the pack, making three fourth-quarter three-pointers to key the Pioneers’ 56-50 victory.

Branstetter provided the offense in the comeback and Brett Vernon’s four fourth-quarter steals highlighted a Western defense that forced 22 turnovers--seven in the final quarter--of an Orange League boys’ basketball game at Western High.

Senior Richard Mackie scored eight of his team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter, helping Western (9-12, 4-2 in league) outscore Valencia, 14-5, over the final 1 1/2 minutes.

“Vince stepped up,� Western Coach Conrad Byars said. “This victory is very big. If we lose, we’re 3-3 in league and two games back. Now, we’re no worse than a game out of second place and still looking at a league title.�

Valencia (7-15, 4-2) could have retained the inside track for the league title with a victory. Considering the Tigers entered league play 3-13, it was an amazing turnaround.

“We didn’t have a deep, meaningful talk or anything before league began,� Valencia Coach Dean Yoshimura said. “I think the kids just realized they had a second chance; they just started to play.�

Western took a 32-25 lead with 5 minutes 4 seconds remaining in the third quarter before Valencia kicked it in gear. Jamanee Macon, who had 14 points, and Jermaine Gray, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds, helped the Tigers outscore Western, 14-4, over the next eight minutes.

Valencia forward James Rivera, who scored all 13 of his points in the second half, capped a 7-1 run with a reverse layup to give Valencia a 39-36 lead.

Then Branstetter took over.

With 3:29 remaining, Branstetter made a 26-footer from the left wing to make it 41-41. After Valencia moved to a 45-42 lead, Branstetter erased it with another three-pointer from the left wing with 1:37 remaining.

Branstetter’s last three-pointer put the Pioneers ahead for good, 48-46, with 1:09 remaining. Then Vernon’s defense and Mackie’s free-throw shooting--he made five of seven in the final minute--sealed the victory.

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In other Orange League games:

Brea Olinda 60, Anaheim 36--The Wildcats (15-7, 5-1) outscored Anaheim, 21-8, in the third quarter to break open a close game. Eric Repp scored 14 points for Brea Olinda. Andre Hughes scored 10 points for Anaheim (1-18, 0-6).

Savanna 55, Magnolia 54 (OT)--Lee Myers scored the winning basket with eight seconds left in overtime for the host Rebels (14-7, 4-2). Savanna’s Conway Nguyen made a three-pointer at the buzzer in regulation to send the game into overtime.

David Draghinas scored 19 points for Savanna. Josh Reding scored 14 points for Magnolia (9-12, 1-5).