Rough second half costs Paloma basketball team, 68-50

Donovan Larry beats an opponent up the court on a fast break Tuesday. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Paloma Valley High boys basketball team lost its league match-up against Canyon Springs, 68-50, at home Tuesday night.

The Wildcats seemed shaken up by the Cougars’ tough press on defense but kept the score margin within five for the first half, even taking the lead for a few minutes toward the end of the first quarter. With their points being fairly even distributed between four players, Paloma went into the second half only trailing by four.

But the press got the best of them early on in the second half with three consecutive turnovers on in-bound passes that all resulted in Canyon Springs points. By the end of the third quarter, the Cougars were up by 17 points.

Head coach Darius Randolph said their defensive strategy is one struggle his team faced in a handful of “growing pains” they are experiencing this season.

“We know what to do but we’re trying to mature and learn defensive principles, and it’s a culture change,” Randolph said. “We’re just learning and that’s the biggest thing.”

Canyon Springs’ Corey Mitchell took advantage of Paloma’s growing pains and finished the game with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while the next highest scorer on his team had seven points.

Five of the Wildcats players had at least five rebounds apiece but struggled to complete second-chance shots, which contributed to the Cougar lead extending to as much as 24 in the fourth quarter before a late run by junior Benny Sevilla cut the lead down to 16 with a minute left.

“Benny is definitely my guy who stands out,” Randolph said of Sevilla’s leadership on the team. He also added that Sevilla’s playing time is lower currently due to a preseason injury.

“Toward the end of the game he became a difference maker,” said Randolph. “But we have to understand that all of us are leaders, not just one guy.”

Sevilla and sophomore Donovan Larry led the team with nine rebounds on the night and 11 points.

First-year head coach Randolph said the loss is one he will take if it means he is closer to the culture change he is trying to achieve with his young team.

“If I’ve got to lose a few in order to gain that level of understanding, I’m going to be fine with that,” said Randolph. “We’re a tough team that’s trying to change our culture. I want people to know that Wildcats play hard. Yeah, we’re going to lose a few because we’re trying to change our image defensively. But regardless of whether we win or lose, we’re going to come at you hard, and we’re going to play together each time we step on the floor.”

This was Paloma’s second league match-up of the season. Their overall record is 4-9. The Wildcats’ next game will be Thursday at home against Jurupa Valley (11-7).

Benny Sevilla drives to the basket for Paloma Valley during Tuesday's game. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Michael Monsato is in position to make a reverse layup for the Wildcats. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

 Isaiah Gilbert puts up a shot against the defense of an opponent on Tuesday. (Photo by Rick Rowell)