3-A BOYS : Corona del Mar Cruises Past Northview

COVINA —  With Northview High School’s leading scorer, Eric Wattree, sitting on the bench for most of the first quarter, Corona del Mar saw an opportunity it couldn’t pass up.

The Sea Kings built a 14-point lead in the first quarter and cruised to a 75-60 victory over Northview in a Southern Section 3-A quarterfinal game at Covina High School. Corona del Mar (18-9), advanced to the semifinals against Notre Dame.

Corona del Mar exploited Northview’s weak front line early in the game with Wattree, who averages a 20.2 points a game, on the bench.

“Fortunately we got off to a big lead otherwise it could have been a different game,” said Corona del Mar Coach Paul Orris.

Northview Coach Ron Rice sat Wattree down for missing a practice on Monday. Wattree sat out the first 7:01, and Corona del Mar led, 18-9, when he entered the game.

Corona del Mar’s Jeff Jackson and Warren Johnson each scored nine points in the first quarter. Corona del Mar made all 10 of its shots in the quarter and outscored Northview, 23-9.

Northview (17-7) never really recovered.

“We just didn’t get it done defensively,” Rice said.

And Corona del Mar hit 15 of 16 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter to pull away for the victory.

Johnson finished with 25 points and John Paulsen scored 23 for Corona del Mar. Wattree led Northview with 18 points.