Tom WaldenSchool: Huntington BeachSport: BasketballPosition: GuardClass: SeniorTrailing...

Tom Walden

School: Huntington Beach

Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard

Class: Senior

Trailing by 13 points as the third quarter began, Los Angeles Loyola turned to a full-court press to try to get back into its Division I-A playoff game Friday against Huntington Beach. It was a doomed strategy, partly because of Walden. He and fellow guard Bryan Chang shredded the press, with Walden putting the finishing touches on many of the Oilers’ press-breaking fast breaks. Walden scored 12 of Huntington Beach’s 23 points in the quarter and the Oilers extended their lead to 18 points on their way to a 76-58 victory. “Tommy just seemed to get it and blow by the defenders,” Huntington Beach Coach Roy Miller said. “He did a fine job taking the ball to the basket and he made some nice shots up and around the rim.” Walden, a three-year starter, had 19 points and eight rebounds in the game and had 18 points and seven rebounds in a 72-52 playoff victory over Moreno Valley Valley View earlier in the week.

Other top performers:

Patrick Kunz, who helped Kennedy to two victories in the Division II-A playoffs. He had 24 points and 13 rebounds in a 61-56 victory over Manhattan Beach Mira Costa and 16 points and 16 rebounds in a 75-70 victory over Pomona Garey.

Miles Simon, who averaged 21 points in Mater Dei’s victories over Claremont and Quartz Hill in the Division I-A playoffs.

Dane Valdez, who remained undefeated in wrestling this season for Calvary Chapel, winning the Southern Section Masters Division III title at 119 pounds. Valdez (39-0) also won his match at 121 pounds in the Eagles’ 40-22 victory over Irvine for the Division III dual match title.

Cory Witt, who had two goals in Sonora’s 6-3 victory over previously unbeaten El Monte and a goal in a 2-1 victory over San Dimas in the Division IV soccer playoffs.