IRVINE – Beckman raced to an early lead and dominated the rest of the way, rolling to an 87-35 victory over Katella in the opening round of the CIF-SS 1A boys basketball playoffs Wednesday at Beckman.
The Patriots (19-8) will be at home against Camarillo in the second round Friday.
“I thought our pace tonight was really good,” said Beckman coach Brady Richards. “Our emphasis was definitely trying to get out in transition and get the ball inside a little bit and find some open guys slashing to the hoop, and I thought we executed the game plan very well.
“We definitely feel we can get out and run but it comes out to how are we defensively. I thought we got on the floor a few times getting us extra possessions. It was a solid defensive effort tonight.”
Beckman hit seven 3-pointers and had a balanced scoring attack, led by Josh Keogh (14 points, 7 rebounds) and Shane Taleisnik (12 points). Matthew Lathrum and Michael Yee added 11 points each for the Patriots.
“Everybody had about six or eight points,” Richards said. “I feel comfortable bringing in our guys off the bench. I think we’re a talented and skilled team from top to bottom.”
Beckman jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the opening few minutes before building a 42-21 halftime lead.
Beckman broke the game open by outscoring Katella, 31-6, in the third quarter.
Katella (11-12) was led by Chris Cypert, who scored 9 points. Kobe Sato and Darryl Strong added 8 points each.
Richards hopes the Patriots can keep rolling Friday.
“We won the flip (for the home game), which works out,” Richards said. “I think Friday night we should have a good crowd here, excited hopefully to surprise a higher seed.”
Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com
