NCS boys basketball roundup: Cardinal Newman falls to Salesian 62-44

Salesian, the top-ranked team in NCS Division 4 boys basketball, put an end to Cardinal Newman's tournament dreams Saturday night in Richmond as the Pride prevailed, 62-44.

No. 8 Newman fell behind 10-2 and trailed 38-20 at halftime. The Cardinals did much better after intermission, when they were outscored by only a point.

“In the second half, I thought we played them even or maybe we were a little better than they were,” Cardinals coach Tom Bonfigli said. “We got as close as 11 points with six minutes to go.

“Salesian is one of the top teams in the state and they're especially tough at home.” The Pride are 10-0 on their court.

Salesian made eight 3-point shots and its full-court defense bothered Newman.

Conor McCarthy led the Cardinals with 16 points and nine rebounds. Connor Rubattino contributed 11.

“I couldn't be prouder of my team,” Bonfigli said. “We played better than some people expected. We had a very good season and I told the kids to keep their heads up.”

Newman finished 20-10 while Salesian plays on at 26-4.

In Division 5 action:

STUART HALL 66, CLOVERDALE 52

At San Francisco, the Eagles lost despite a game-high 25 points by Jayson McMillan. The game was played at Kezar Pavilion.

“He kept us in the game,” coach Steve Bernardi said of McMillan. “He was also excellent on defense.”

The junior made 10 of 12 shots from the field and pulled down eight rebounds. He came in averaging 16 per game.

Cloverdale trailed most of the way but rallied to get within six points with four minutes remaining. However, the run came to an abrupt end after two turnovers.

“Those turnovers killed us,” Bernardi said.

The Eagles' successful season included a NCL I title and 26-5 record.

In Division 6 games:

ARCHBISHOP HANNA 70, CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF 44

At Sonoma, the Hawks raced to a 23-4 lead after one quarter and were never threatened.

“It was the best defensive game we've played all season,” coach Courtney Jackson said. “We made a good team like CSD look mediocre.

“We practiced all week on stopping dribble penetration and we did that. Most of their shots were long and difficult.”

Dakota Woltering scored 20 and had eight redounds. Yeurra Blaylock added 17.

“Woltering dominated,” Jackson said. “He set the tone for us. He was unstoppable down low.”

It was No., 3 Hanna's 12th victory without a loss at home and the Hawks are 25-4 overall.

They'll travel to Anderson Valley for the semifinals Wednesday.

ANDERSON VALLEY 72, ST. ELIZABETH 48

At Boonville, the Panthers were in front all the way and had five players finish in double figures.

Leading the offense with 15 was Abraham Sanchez. He was followed by Tony Pardini (15), Jared Johnston (13), Cesar Soto (11) and Erin Perez (10).

“The difference in the game was the defensive pressure we applied,” coach Luis Espinoza said. “Soto was especially effective.”

St. Elizabeth trailed by five at halftime and could get no closer after intermission.

Anderson Valley, the No. 2 seed, takes a 21-5 record into the semifinals.