Burroughs Refuses to Quit in Victory Over Hart, 82-68

Hart High had the nerve to invade rival Burroughs’ tiny gymnasium in an explosive atmosphere Friday and threaten the first-place Indians with their first loss in six Foothill League games.

But Burroughs withstood the challenge, overcoming six deficits--including one as large as eight points in the second quarter--and secured an 82-68 win.

“The kids have overcome adverse situations all year, and they did it again,” Burroughs Coach Ira Sollod said.

The biggest challenge came early in the fourth quarter when Burroughs’ starters were in foul trouble and Hart was chipping at a five-point deficit. With one Burroughs’ starter disqualified on fouls and two others saddled with four personals, Hart capped a 5-0 run with Micah Ohlman’s three-point basket that tied the score, 63-63, with 6 minutes 17 seconds left.

“That gave us a scare,” Sollod said.

But Burroughs (12-6 overall, 6-0 in league play) responded with a 19-5 run to close out the game and all but eliminate Hart (14-7, 3-3) from the league title race.

Doug Castaneda began the streak with a pair of free throws that gave Burroughs a 65-63 lead. Add four points each from Marnie Calderon and Ryan Goeringer, and a jump shot from Castaneda, and Burroughs had a 75-65 lead with 2:42 left.

Burroughs patiently passed the ball around the perimeter to work time off the clock and work for high-percentage shots. The strategy worked as the host team hit five of its final six shots.

“We can take care of the ball, so long as we get a lead,” Sollod said.

Calderon scored 22 points to lead five Burroughs players in double figures. Castaneda scored 16, Ray Velasquez 19, S. J. Boldvich had 15 and Goeringer added 10.

Ohlman led Hart with 16 points, including three three-point baskets. Chad Fotheringham scored 14 and Andrew Lorraine added 13.