LA QUINTA now leads the Garden Grove League boys; basketball race by a half-game (Shutterstock).

La Quinta’s boys’ basketball team moved into the lead in the Garden Grove League race Friday night with a 59-52 win over Loara in the Saxons’ gym.

With the win, the Aztecs are 5-1 in GGL play and 12-12 overall. They lead Santiago (4-1) by a half-game. Loara (3-3, 12-12) fell into third place.

Friday’s win set up a battle with second place Santiago (4-1 in league and 14-9 overall) next Wednesday at the Aztec gymnasium.

On Thursday, Orangewood Academy’s girls’ team completed the first round of play in San Joaquin League action by defeating Pacific Christian of Orange County by the score of 53-27. 

The Spartans are 4-0 in league play – good for first place – and 18-3 overall. Emalynn Vong scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win.

The boys’ team didn’t do quite so well, losing 51-47 to Pac Christian. The team is 17-6 overall, but now 2-3 in the San Joaquin League.

 In Empire League boys’ play Cypress defeated Pacifica on Thursday by the score of 60-47. 

The Mariners are 11-11 overall but 1-3 in EL action.  Ethan Lee scored 14 points to lead the M’s, including three three-point shots.