BOYS’ BASKETBALL / HART TOURNAMENT : Spindt Gives Indians Title With Free Throw, 62-61

Throughout the history of the Hart Holiday Classic, the Indians have been a most hospitable host.

As a matter fact, they have been too kind to their visitors, winning the basketball tournament only once during its first two decades.

Well, the Indians decided to get rude Wednesday night.

Point guard Eric Spindt hit one of two free throws with two seconds remaining to give Hart a 62-61 win over Simi Valley in the 21st championship game before about 1,200 spectators.

“There were all kinds of things going through my mind,” Spindt said. “I’m usually about a 90% free-throw shooter, but I have been missing some lately in practice. I made that one though, and that’s what counts.”

Spindt and standout swingman Matt Steffe led the Indians (7-5) on a fourth-quarter charge. Hart trailed most of the game, but Spindt scored six of his nine points in the fourth quarter and Steffe, who led the team with 23 points and 10 rebounds, scored five points and had three crucial rebounds.

With 23 seconds to play, Steffe tied the score, 61-61, with two free throws. Simi Valley missed a shot, and Spindt was fouled by the Pioneers’ Mike Arlotto.

Spindt was successful on his first free throw.

“I’m just so happy for the kids,” Hart Coach Mike May said. “This is only the second time they’ve won the tournament, and they had to beat a quality, well-coached team to do it.”

The Pioneers (10-3) were led by point guard Ryan Briggs (14 points) and forward Nathan Simmons (15 points).

Central Fresno 64, Westlake 50--Brad Schwan had 21 points and 11 rebounds for Westlake in the consolation final. Mike Ormsby-Wilson added 14 points for Westlake, which trailed, 17-5, after one quarter.