No. 6 Marina Shoots Down Los Alamitos

Marina Coach Roger Holmes says his team has a basic rule when it comes to shot selection: If you’re open, shoot it.

The Vikings found enough ways to get open at the right times Friday night to beat No. 5 Los Alamitos, 77-66, in a Sunset League boys’ basketball game at Marina High.

Dustin Kaatz led the sixth-ranked Vikings (19-2, 5-0) with 28 points. He made 19 of 20 free throws.

Beau Brown scored 20 points for Marina and reserve Shane Leis also gave the Griffins (16-4, 4-1) problems on the perimeter, scoring 12 points, all on three-pointers.

Marina’s three-point shooting was crucial in the decisive third quarter. The Vikings, who led by six points at the half, were six of nine from behind the arc in the third quarter, and took a 58-46 lead. Brown and Leis (12 points) each made four three-pointers in the game.

Leis and Justin Maranto combined for 22 points off the bench.

“You can’t keep up with teams that shoot that percentage,” said Ron Prettyman, who scored 19 points for the Griffins. “What can you do when they’re draining everything?”

Ryan Keller finished with 14 for the Griffins.

“It was no fluke,” Brown said of his team’s shooting. “That’s what we’re capable of. We have five guys who can make threes at will.”