Dream Shot Comes True for Sanchez

SHERMAN OAKS —  When Ruben Sanchez transferred to Notre Dame High from Chaminade last season, he dreamed of one day making a game-winning shot to defeat his former teammates.

It finally happened Friday night, with Sanchez scoring on a driving layup with eight seconds left to give Notre Dame a 61-59 victory in a Mission League game before a standing-room only crowd at Notre Dame.

“It was exciting,” Sanchez said. “It was big and emotional.”

Top-ranked Notre Dame (14-1, 2-0 in league) seemingly put away the Eagles (9-5, 1-1) in the third quarter, opening a 12-point lead after 6-foot-9 center Scott Borchart was forced to the sideline for four minutes because of a sprained ankle.

Cody Pearson scored 13 of his 27 points in the quarter, taking advantage of a critical strategic move by Notre Dame Coach Rob DiMuro to move him from the baseline to the free-throw line against Chaminade’s 2-3 zone.

But the Eagles were revitalized by Borchart’s return. They went on a 9-0 spurt to cut the deficit to 42-39 going into the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame again took charge, increasing its lead to 59-51 with 1:47 left. Chaminade was able to stay close only because two mature freshmen, Marcus Everett and Marcel Jones, kept contributing key baskets.

Jones’ three-point basket pulled the Eagles within 59-54. A three-point basket by Jordan O’Gilvie made it 59-57 with 25 seconds left. Pearson was called for an offensive foul and O’Gilvie tied the score on a basket with 18 seconds left.

The Knights didn’t call a timeout, and Sanchez dribbled quickly down court to score the winning points.

“Coach DiMuro’s philosophy is you get it in and push it,” Sanchez said.

Borchart was unstoppable in the first quarter, making four of five shots. But credit 6-6 reserve center David Hungerford of Notre Dame for playing effective post defense against Borchart the rest of the game. Hungerford finished with 12 rebounds and limited Borchart to 17 points.

Borchart’s return after landing awkwardly on an ankle in the opening minute of the third quarter lifted the Eagles emotionally.

“I told him, ‘I’m not going to sacrifice you for the rest of the year,’ ” Chaminade Coach Jeff Young said. “He said, ‘I’m not going to come out.’ ”

The play of Chaminade’s two freshmen offered hope for the future. Jones made consecutive three-point baskets in the fourth quarter.

“I was not intimidated at all,” he said.

But it was Sanchez, the former Chaminade point guard, who celebrated afterward.

“He’s ecstatic and he should be,” Young said. “To make a game-winning shot is always a thrill no matter who you’re playing against.”