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JC Schindler of Woodbridge gets past a Portola defender Friday night at Portola. (Photos Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Woodbridge High School’s boys basketball team, led by the 29-point performance of junior guard JC Schindler, held off a pesky Portola team to capture a 73-71 victory in a consolation game at the Pacific Coast League tournament Friday night in front of a big crowd at Portola.
The games did not count on the teams’ records but second place Woodbridge (13-13) and Portola (14-11) should be headed to the CIF playoffs. The game helped determine the league’s second and third automatic berths. Sage Hill, the top CIF playoff qualifier, finished first with 17 points.
Portola, based on its overall record, is expected to advance to the CIF playoffs as an at-large team. Pairings will be announced Sunday.
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It was intense from the start with the two teams combining for eight 3-pointers in the first quarter.
The game went to the wire. Portola’s Devin Daniel tied it up 71-71 on a basket with 27 seconds. But Schindler cooly sank two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to put the Warriors ahead 73-71.
Portola was unable to convert on its next possession and when the ball went out of bounds, Woodbridge was given the ball. The Bulldogs intercepted a pass at midcourt and tossed up a desperation shot which fell short as time expired.
“… We came out and did our thing, we played together and we got the win, that’s all that matters,” said Schindler. “We moved the ball, we set screens, we were strong with the ball when they were getting in our grill. Me and my teammates put pressure on each other in practice all the time and it paid off.”
Schindler, a junior, said he enjoyed the inaugural tournament.
“This is fun, I want to do it again next year,” he said. “We’re upset we didn’t win the whole thing but we got CIF (playoffs) and we move forward.”
Schindler had some help from his teammates too, including Stephen Lamp, who had 20 points and Ethan Fu, who had 10.
“That was a really fun game,” said Woodbridge Coach Steve Scoggin. “Both times we played Portola, it was fun. Last year, they came into our place and knocked us out of the league champion (spot). They deserved it. They came in and smacked us last year.
“Our guys thought of that but Brian (Portola coach Smith) does such a great job over there, we have to be connected as a group and after yesterday’s game ….. guys really came together and they really battled and fought and played selfless and that’s what I love about this group.”
Daniel scored 19 points, Colin Huang had 13 points and Ryan Chu 11 points to lead Portola.
Woodbridge held a 44-40 lead at halftime and led 59-57 going into the final stanza.
The Warriors led by as many as six points but Portola kept battling until the end.
Woodbridge defeated Portola 56-52 during the PCL regular season schedule.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
