BERNSTEIN vs. Santiago in the CIF Division 4 Regionals (Tribune photo).

By Miles Gaskin
Orange County Tribune

Santiago’s long-shot season stretched into the CIF State Regionals on Tuesday night ended with an emotional and fight-marred loss by 59-47 to the Bernstein Dragons of Hollywood in the Division 4 openers.

Bernstein’s experience and depth proved to be too much for the Cavaliers on Tuesday night.  The game was back-and-forth and featured huge runs from both teams, but the visiting Dragons were able to pull away in the fourth when it mattered most.

Santiago started the game on fire, coming out of the gates on an 11-0 run, but once the Dragons got settled, they responded with a 23-6 run of their own that extended well into the second quarter.

Bernstein was able to stretch the lead out to 13 early in the third quarter, but Santiago was not done yet, responding with a 12-1 run of their own.  At the end of the third the Cavaliers cut the lead to four.

The Dragons stretched the lead back out to 10 with about 3 minutes left in the game.  With 2:18 left in the game, Santiago superstar shooting guard Jordan De la Mora fouled out of the game.

With tensions and emotions running high, this sparked a fight behind the Bernstein bench between fans. The fans fighting spilled over onto the court and stopped the game for about five minutes.

After the chaos was concluded, and almost 20 ejections, the game was resumed, and Bernstein was able to walk away with the victory, advancing to the second round of CIF state playoffs and ending Santiago’s season.

Jordan De la Mora led the way for Santiago, finishing with 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists.  The Cavs also received a boost from Jayden Baude who finished with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists.

The Dragons were led by sophomore guard Anthony Llamas who finished with 25 points, 20 of which came in the first half.  He also recorded 2 steals.  Junior guard Jayden Hernandez also finished with 11 points and five assists.

Santiago coach Matt Moorhouse said there may have been some emotional hangover from the southern section championship victory.

“We didn’t play our best, Saturday was just so emotional, said Moorhouse, “winning [a CIF-SS basketball title] for the first time ever for the school. I think it is hard to get up two days later and go play another game after something like that.”

IN OTHER REGIONAL PLAY on Tuesday, Pacifica defeated Maranatha 55-50 in boys Division IV play, and Bolsa Grande lost 36-30 to Uni Prep in girls Division V.