LAKE FOREST – Kyle Molnar has made it a point to pump up his practice time at the free-throw line this season.
“Every practice, at least three of four times throughout, we shoot 20 free throws,” Molnar said. “Me and my dad go to the gym to shoot from the line with the main goal of being consistent this year. Every point matters.”
On Friday night, Molnar, who will pitch for UCLA next season, proved preparation and poise at the line make for a perfect concoction.
The senior forward knocked down all eight of his second-half free throws, and the Aliso Niguel boys basketball squad withstood a late charge from El Toro to grab a 66-54 victory in the South Coast League opener.
It was the first league loss for the Chargers (12-6, 0-1) since Jan. 30, 2013.
“We talk about finishing league games on the road and having that opportunity,” Aliso Niguel coach Keith Barnett said. “We talked about free throws, and we really made it a priority in our practices. I was happy for Kyle. He showed a lot of composure.”
Molnar finished with a game-high 19 points, converting on all nine of his free-throw attempts, while tallying three steals for the Wolverines (14-5, 1-0).
El Toro never led and trailed by 17 points in the third quarter. After trimming the deficit to 44-35 at the start of the fourth, the Chargers, aided by Patric Schoen’s 3 pointer from the left corner, cut the margin to 49-46 with 3:17 left.
But Aliso Niguel’s dogged defense forced multiple turnovers down the stretch. A 10-0 run, highlighted by Matt Brennan’s layup off a steal, lasted less than two minutes and put the game out of reach.
The Wolverines converted on 11 of 13 free throws in the fourth quarter. Jared Ryu added 14 points for Aliso Niguel and went a perfect 9 for 9 from the line.
The Wolverines forced 10 turnovers in the first half and used a 14-2 burst to help take a 33-20 lead at the break.
Reid Zavrsnick led El Toro with 17 points, and teammate Levi Hazely contributed 15 points and eight rebounds.
