Boys basketball: Rancho Verdes tops Long Beach Jordan in playoffs

A 16-0 run in the second quarter gave the Rancho Verde Mustangs (27-2) a comfortable 55-40 road win over Long Beach Jordan in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1AA playoffs.

Rancho Verde senior Dominick Pickett showcased his versatile game on both ends of the floor and led all scorers with 13 points. Senior Reggie Vaer (10 points), freshman Jaxen Tuer (11) and junior Damien Reedy (11) also scored in double digits. Jordan (16-13) was led by junior Jordan Heard, who scored 12 points. Senior Torieaun Hilbert added 10 points.

The Mustangs opened up a big lead early while making four of their seven 3-pointers in the first half. They led 28-15 at halftime and looked stout defensively two nights after only allowing 24 points to Diamond Bar.

Hilbert and sophomore Sudan Thoms hit quick 3-pointers to start the third quarter and eventually the Panthers cut the Rancho Verde lead to single digits. However, they never drew closer than nine points after the game-wiing second quarter run.

‑ JJ Fiddler

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