DIVISION V-AA
Santa Clara 81, Chadwick 60--Nick Jones scored 31 points and B.J. Ward had 21 points, seven assists and six steals to lead the Saints in a quarterfinal at Chadwick.
Second-seeded Santa Clara (24-3) beat Chadwick in the semifinals last season, but Jones said the Dolphins were better this year.
“The score may not reflect it, but they were much stronger,†said Jones, who scored 11 of the Saints’ 21 second-quarter points. “The difference today was our defense. When you play tough defense, you create better shots for yourself.â€
Santa Clara led from start to finish, using a 9-1 run in the second quarter to build a 38-26 halftime lead.
The Saints made 25 of 31 free throws, with Jones making all 10 of his attempts.
Chadwick (15-13) made 17 of 22 free throws. Michael Reich scored 19 points and Ryan Maier added 16 for the Dolphins.
“We beat a fine team,†Coach Lou Cvijanovich of Santa Clara said. “Our intensity is what won it for us. That and conditioning--[Chadwick] just couldn’t take the pressure.â€
Santa Clara will play third-seeded Pacific Hills, a 56-55 winner over St. Anthony, in a semifinal Tuesday at a site to be determined. Pacific Hills, the defending state champion, beat Santa Clara in the V-AA final last season.
“We want them again,†Jones said of Pacific Hills. “We feel this is our year.â€
