Boys Basketball: Southwestern League Heats Up

Defending Southwestern League champions, the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks, have been No. 1 during four of the past five seasons. Coach Steve Tarabilda has shaped a basketball dynasty at Murrieta Valley that has dominated opponents in the area.

The Nighthawks now find themselves in an unfamiliar position. They are smack dab in the middle of the pack as the season's first half comes to an end Wednesday. With a 2-2 record league play, they will play Temecula Valley.

The Golden Bears are also 2-2 in league play. Temecula Valley split its Southwestern League games last week, defeating Murrieta Mesa 64-63 while losing to league-leading Great Oak, 65-60.

Great Oak and Chaparral have emerged as the league leaders thus far with identical 3-1 records. Coach Robert Hickey’s Wolfpack's only loss came at the hands of the Pumas from Chaparral. This week they will play Murrieta Mesa and Murrieta Valley.

Coach Russell Ham’s Murrieta Mesa Rams will host Great Oak and take on Chaparral this week. Chaparral had two huge Southwestern League home victories last week knocking off Great Oak 47-44 and stunning Murrieta Valley 52-50.

Vista Murrieta will be looking for its first league win this week. The Broncos play Chaparral Wednesday and Temecula Valley Friday. Coach Andy Rucker is looking to turn things around on the second go-around.

All games are at 7 p.m. so come out and support your favorite high school and catch some incredible basketball action.