Willard leads Paloma basketball team to playoff victory

Paloma Valley guard Damario Willard (22) drives to the basket against a Palm Desert defender Wednesday night. Photos by Kristi Jo Aguirre

Junior guard Damario Willard scored 30 points to lead all scorers Wednesday night as the Paloma Valley High School boys basketball team beat Palm Desert 68-41 in the first round of the CIF Division 3A boys basketball playoffs.

The Wildcats improved their record to 22-6 overall with the victory on their home court. They will play at AB Miller High in Fontana in the second round Friday at 7 p.m. The Rebels, 19-10 overall, advanced with a 52-49 over San Bernardino.

Paloma Valley fought back from an early deficit to take a 24-18 halftime lead, but the visiting Aztecs stayed close in the third quarter. Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats outscored the Aztecs 32-13 to put the game away.

Forward Richard Zweifach scored 9 points for Paloma Valley and guard Chance Nolan added 7. Eleven players scored for the Wildcats.

In a Div. 5A first-round game, Santa Rosa Academy scored a 67-44 victory at Boron. The Rangers improved their record to 14-7 and will be at home against Nogales at 7 p.m. In a Div. 4AA game, Heritage (15-12) lost a 67-46 decision to Hillcrest.

Guard Shawn Strong brings the ball upcourt in Paloma Valley's playoff victory at home Wednesday night. Photo by Kristi Jo Aguirre