Canoga Park Lets Top Spot Slide Away

NORTH HOLLYWOOD —  Canoga Park High lost its chance at first place in the East Valley League on Wednesday afternoon, and if the Hunters play basketball like they did against North Hollywood, there won’t be many other opportunities.

After a close first quarter, Canoga Park, which has a fondness for pushing the ball up the floor, was beaten at its own game by the Huskies. North Hollywood cruised to a 71-53 victory in a Valley Pac-8 Conference game at North Hollywood.

Now it’s North Hollywood (14-7, 4-1) which is tied with Grant for first in the East Valley League, with the upstart Hunters, who have won only six games this season--but three in conference, one game back.

“We’re getting to the point we can’t learn from our losses anymore,” Canoga Park Coach Ralph Turner said.

The low point--although not provided by the Hunters--came midway through the third quarter with the Huskies holding a 56-28 lead.

Following a timeout, a fan got into a verbal and physical confrontation with official Mark Bosteder. The fan rushed onto the court and there was a brief scuffle. The fan immediately left the gym and after a 10-minute delay, the game was resumed. No players or coaches from either school were involved.

Canoga Park assistant principal Dennis Thompson said statements would be taken from the two officials and several Canoga Park fans who witnessed the incident and a report would be filed with the City Section. Bosteder declined comment after the game.

After letting North Hollywood jump out to a 15-3 lead, the Hunters scored the next 13 points behind the shooting of Nick Aguirre. Aguirre made three three-point baskets late in the quarter, and finished with four in the game.

The Hunters’ lead was brief. North Hollywood scored the last five points of the quarter.

Then the bottom really fell out for Canoga Park (6-13, 3-2). The Hunters made two of 16 shots in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Keron Wilkerson heated up for the Huskies.

Wilkerson scored 14 of his 34 points in the quarter, including 10 in a 14-0 run. Canoga Park began to panic, as three-point attempts by Rene Castaneda and Mike Bell did little more than clang off the backboard. North Hollywood led at the half, 41-24.

“Keron got going and we couldn’t do anything to stop him,” Turner said. “And our offense just struggled.”

It got worse in the second half. Canoga Park had seven turnovers in the third quarter. Even 5-foot-9 point guard DeJon Lee had two breakaway dunks for the Huskies.

“I think they were just a bit more wild than we were,” North Hollywood Coach Rob Bloom said.

The Huskies forced 24 turnovers, while committing three in the second and third quarters.

Lee finished with 18 points and center Jonathan Hicks added eight points and six rebounds.

Canoga Park, which played without starters Castaneda and Arthur Beglarian in a victory over Sylmar last week, is now playing without Vlady Sandoval. Sandoval was the only returning starter from last season’s league championship team.

Turner said Sandoval has taken a “leave of absence” and may return later in the season. Turner would not elaborate why Sandoval left the team. Although they didn’t start, Castaneda and Beglarian both played extensively.

Aguirre had 16 points and Beglarian added 10 for Canoga Park.