Underdog L.A. Baptist Cuts Down Brentwood

For a basketball team that once had a 5-11 record and six-game losing streak, L.A. Baptist High has suddenly discovered the secret to success.

“It’s all about heart,” said 6-foot-3 center Evan Regenstreif, who contributed 12 points and eight rebounds as the Knights upset Brentwood, 40-37, in a Southern Section Division IV-A first-round playoff game Wednesday night at Brentwood.

It was L.A. Baptist’s seventh victory in eight games and set up a Friday showdown with Bell-Jeff in the quarterfinals.

The Knights (12-12) lost twice to Brentwood (18-8) this season, by six points and seven points. How they were able to win Wednesday despite high-scoring guard Frank Vasquez making just three of 15 shots and scoring seven points is even more startling.

“We haven’t won many games without Frank scoring,” Coach Bob Chevalier said.

But Regenstreif, an offensive guard and defensive tackle for the football team, played a decisive role for the Knights.

Regenstreif scored from underneath on a power move with 2:19 left to give L.A. Baptist a 38-33 lead. His two free throws with 49.7 seconds left made the lead 40-35.

The Knights were able to play tough defense and spread the court to disrupt the Eagles’ attack.

Cameron Craig and Andrew Norris, who both had nine rebounds, made important contributions on the defensive boards.

Brentwood had a chance to tie the game, but Shane Ingraham missed a three-point shot with two seconds left.