Ortega surpasses 1,000 career points in Liberty's victory

The Menifee area high school boys basketball season got off to a memorable start this week with a milestone effort by a standout player.

Senior guard Jaden Ortega surpassed the 1,000-point mark in career scoring in Liberty’s 66-63 win over Calvary Baptist in the team’s season opener on Tuesday. Ortega scored 27 points to increase his career total to 1,026.

It was also the debut of Liberty’s new coach, Cory Cornelius. The Bison play host to Walnut Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

In Derrick O’Neil’s debut as head coach, Paloma Valley opened its season Tuesday with a 57-47 win over Tahquitz. The Wildcats host San Jacinto Thursday at 7 p.m.

Heritage lost its season opener to Shadow Hills, 60-32. The Patriots will play host to Miller today at 5:30 p.m.

Santa Rosa Academy opened its season with a 72-52 win over Woodcrest Christian. The Rangers host Desert Christian Academy tonight at 7.

Local girls basketball teams also opened their seasons this week.

Liberty scored a 38-18 victory on Tuesday at Vista del Lago. The Bison host Kaiser Thursday at 3 p.m.

Paloma Valley has split its first two games of the season, beating Linfield Christian 47-29 on Monday and losing to Yucaipa 60-46 on Tuesday. The Wildcats host San Jacinto Thursday at 5:15 p.m.

Heritage beat Beaumont 56-38 in its opener on Tuesday. The Patriots host Temescal Canyon Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Santa Rosa Academy lost its season opener to West Valley 36-10 on Monday. The Rangers are at home against Desert Christian Academy today at 5:30 p.m.