Boy Basketball: Rams Stay in the Race; Beat Temecula Valley 73-65

Khalil Sharpe sparked the Rams as they pulled away in the final minutes and rallied to win their most critical game of the season. The win keeps Murrieta Mesa one game behind league-leading Great Oak. The Wolfpack beat Chaparral 55-45 Friday night.

“Khalil Sharpe had another huge night with 13 of his 26 points coming in the first quarter, 7-8 from free-throw line, and seven rebounds. Shane Staton led us with his defensive pressure and timely three pointers. I’m very proud of these two because they’ve been starters for three years and it was Senior Night,” said Coach Russell Ham.

Stanton scored 16 points with six rebounds, Shondell Smith dropped in 11. Trevon Sessions, hampered by an ankle injury, still managed to put six points through the hoop.

Austin Bryant had a big game with eight points. Camry Smith scored three, Andrew Smith two and Corey Boyle sank a free throw for the Rams.

“I’m very proud of how we bounced back after a tough loss to Murrieta Valley. I’m glad we were able to play well considering it was Senior Night, Coaches vs. Cancer Night, and the biggest crowd in school history. The energy our crowd brought was a major factor of our success. This win was huge because it keeps us in the hunt for a league title,” Ham said.

The Rams will play Vista Murrieta on Tuesday and then will travel to Great Oak Thursday for a showdown for first place with the Wolfpack. Murrieta Mesa won the last meeting, handing Great Oak its only loss of the season, 58-55.

Game time is 7 p.m.