Boys' basketball: Oaks Christian has easy time with LACES

The Oaks Christian boys' basketball continued its greatest season in school history with a 74-37 Div. IV Southern California quarterfinal regional victory against Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies.

The Lions scored the first 11 points of the game and then held the outmatched Unicorns (9-23) to only four free throws in the second quarter.

"We had a small lapse after getting off to a quick start but really got after it defensively," Oaks Christian coach Andre Chevalier said.

The Lions have been making a habit of holding teams down in the first half.

Oaks Christian has not allowed more than 26 points in the first half in any of its six playoff games, including holding Buckley to 11 in the Southern Section Div. IV-A championship game last Saturday.

"Coach always instills defense and makes sure that is where our focus is," 6-foot-8 forward Dillon van der Wal said.

van der Wal finished with 15 points, Chass Bryan had 12 points and five assists, Taylor Hange scored 10 points, Blair Holliday contributed nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals, Mike Roletti scored nine points and Jono Wening had eight for the Lions (25-7).

"We were able to get a lot of guys involved so that is always a good thing," Chevalier said.

The third quarter was much like the second as Oaks Christian strung together a 19-4 run to lock up its 21st victory in the past 23 games.

"We have been playing really well and hope to keep it all going the next two weeks," Chevalier said. "We need to work hard and stay focused."

David Drear scored all seven of his points in the second half to lead L.A.C.E.S, which was the City Section small-schools runner-up to View Park Prep.

Oaks Christian moves into the regional semifinals Saturday at 7 p.m. against visiting Central Valley Christian of Visalia, an 81-65 overtime winner against JSerra.

Central Valley Christian features 6-foot-9 junior forward Grant Verhoeven.

Verhoeven averages 23 points and 12 rebounds and is being heavily recruited by most Pac-10 schools.