Palo Alto High School fell, 35 — 55, against Oak Ridge High School in the Northern California Division II state finals this evening.
After a rough first quarter followed by a close second, Paly succumbed to the Trojans’ tough zone defense and dominating, fast-paced offense.
“We were a little nervous [about playing in a zone defense] because we knew they had outside shooters,” Oak Ridge head coach Steve Scott said. The Trojans set up a full court press and often double-teamed Paly players.
Junior guard Brad Lehman opened up the first half for Paly with a steal under the Trojans’ basket, followed by a lay-up. Soon after, however, Oak Ridge senior guard Hiram Thomson made a pass to senior guard and forward Ryan Moya. Moya then made an assist to junior center Ryan Anderson, who scored two points under the net.
“It’s hard to describe how important [Moya] is,” Scott said. “He’s an unbelievable asset and leader, no doubt about it.”
With nearly three minutes left in the third quarter, Paly head coach Peter Diepenbrock called a time out. Soon after, senior guard Nathan Ford hit a three-pointer, but it wasn’t enough.
Oak Ridge senior guard Kevin James had an offensive rebound under the basket and put it back up for two points. The Trojans were able to capitalize on their height advantage throughout the game, out-rebounding Paly under the net at both ends of the court.
As the third quarter came to a close, Paly trailed Oak Ridge, 24-41.
In the fourth quarter, the prospect of pulling out a victory faded for the Vikings. About half way through the quarter, Diepenbrock decided to put in his reserves.
Junior forward Kevin Trimble sunk a three with less than three minutes left on the clock, and junior forward Steven Brown contributed with a three-pointer of his own. Junior forward Kheaton Scott sunk a basket, adding two more points, but these points came too late.
The game came to an end, and the Trojans celebrated the win by hugging and high-fiving fellow teammates. They will go on to the State Championship.
Despite the loss, Diepenbrock and Paly players saw a silver lining.
"I’d be surprised if there was anyone here who wasn’t extremely proud of what we’ve done this season," Diepenbrock said.