JERRY MARTINEZ (24) sets up a shot for Garden Grove High as Westminster defender Isiah Lee comes up to defend. At right are Sebastian Castro (42) and Joshua Lee (5). Grove won 66-60 Friday night in the Lion gym (Orange County Tribune photos).
The Golden West League debut of Garden Grove High’s boys’ basketball team Friday night in the Westminster High School gym wasn’t easy but it was exciting.
After building a 15-point lead in the third quarter, the Argonauts (16-2) fought off a late Lion rally to come away with a 66-60 win.
The home team chipped away at Grove’s big lead with drives to the basket that resulted either in a score or a foul. With 2:40 to go in the fourth quarter, the Argonauts led 62-54, but Westminster pulled to within two at 62-60 with a minute to play.
However, Jerry Martinez nailed a 3-pointer from the left side baseline with 30 seconds remaining to finally cage the Lions (5-11). Sebastian Castro added a free throw to complete the scoring.
Andre Ortega finished as Grove’s top scorer with 23 points, 18 in the first half. Castro added 16. Westminster was led by Isiah Lee with 21.
Argo coach Ken Frank compared this edition of the Argonauts with others he has coached. “We don’t have a lot of depth, as you can see,” he said. “In years past we could actually run in five-in, five-out, which is a fun way to play. With this team, we basically go five-and-a-half deep, and we have to be in great shape. If we can’t get layups, we have to be real methodical with the ball.”
GGHS had been in the Garden Grove League since 1966, so this is the first basketball campaign outside that loop since the Lyndon Johnson administration. He pronounced the GWL “tough” this year. “This is a new experience, but with this group, we’re up for the challenge. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a lot of fun.”
Grove will next play on Tuesday, hosting Western in another GWL game. Westminster will host Godinez, also on Tuesday.
Here are scores of Friday night local high school basketball games.
BOYS
- Garden Grove 66, Westminster 60
- Marina 56, Edison 55
- Crean Lutheran 67, Pacifica 61
- Ocean View 72, Western 32
- Pasadena Poly 65, Orangewood 61
- Newport Harbor 60, Huntington Beach 49
- Bolsa Grande 70, Calvary Chapel 64.
GIRLS
- Westminster 56, Garden Grove 47
- Orangewood 57, Mesa/Murrieta 28
- Cream Lutheran 78, Pacifica 51
- Ocean View 50, Western 37.