NEWPORT BEACH – Pacifica Christian used a fast-paced defensive attack to beat Foothill Tech of Ventura, 64-59, Friday to advance to the CIF-SS Division 6 final.
This is Pacifica Christian’s first season as a varsity program. Six of the team’s 10 players are freshmen, and there is only one junior on the roster.
The Tritons will play Carnegie of Riverside in the final on March 3 or 4.
“This is great,” Pacifica Christian coach Jeffrey Berokoff said. “Playing in the finals is a great opportunity for this school, for the community and the kids. It’s a great time,”
Cal Whitney made plays on both ends of the court for the Tritons. The freshman had 23 points and four steals.
“He (Whitney) was big time. I’m so proud of that kid,” Berokoff said. “He really puts in the time and it showed tonight.”
Foothill Tech (23-6) was shooting well from beyond the arc in the first half, but trailed by one at halftime. The Dragons made three consecutive 3s at the end of the second quarter.
Pacifica Christian (23-3) employed a full-court press throughout the game, causing numerous turnovers and forcing bad shots. The Tritons also had eight steals.
“We were a little late on our rotations to their shooters in the first half,” Berokoff said. “We started playing a little more half-court defense to create less space for our big guys to get to shooters. I thought we adjusted really well.”
The score was tied at 49 entering the fourth quarter.
Clutch 3-pointers by Whitney and Timmy Bahadoor helped the Tritons build a nine-point lead near the end of the fourth. A put-back basket by Josh Sims and free throws by Whitney sealed the win for the Tritons.
