By Stephen Ramirez
WHITTIER >>There where those who questioned the legitimacy of the Whittier High School boys basketball team’s 14-2 start.
But no one is doubting the Cardinals now.
Kevin Tarango had 15 points and Anthony Rios 12 as visiting Whittier looked impressive as its record, opening Del Rio League play with a 70-63 victory over defending champion California on Wednesday.
Andrew Olivarez and Miguel Salazar had 10 points each for the Cardinals, who improved to 15-2. Jake Mata had 25 points and Brady Gravitt 15 for the Condors, who slipped to 9-7.
California, despite trailing by double digits for much of the game, made a late push, using a 23-7 blitz to pull within 67-61 with 31 seconds left following consecutive 3-pointers by Jake Mata.
Whittier made three of four free throws down the stretch to clinch it.
Whittier coach Joey Mata: “We’re playing really well right now. We’re 15-2 right now. I’ve never been 15-2 before, always 2-15. The guys are playing really hard right now, but it’s still one game at time.”
Cal coach Romone Neal: “We’re going to keep playing, up 20 or down 20. We’re going to play hard, no matter what. It’s just unfortunate we started the game that way. We had to fight from behind, and just ran out of time.”