Schools
Boys Basketball: Nighthawks Claim Second Place in League
Murrieta Valley finishes the Southwestern League season in second place with a 7-3 record.
Murrieta Valley boys varsity basketball's 56-50 victory Thursday night over Temecula Valley was bittersweet.
The defending champions clinched second place in the Southwestern League—not what Coach Steve Tarabilda intended.
Trailing 41-38, the Nighthawks put it all together Thursday night, shutting down the Golden Bear offense while scoring 18 to surge past Temecula Valley in the final period.
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The victory was bittersweet as defending champion Murrieta Valley clinched second place in the Southwestern League—not what Coach Steve Tarabilda intended.
Kevin Padlo sank 17 points for Murrieta Valley and had five rebounds. Thomas Alexandre scored 13, Talon Watkins 11 and Tyler Bilton had seven while hauling in 10 rebounds. Playmaker Mitchell Lenhart added six points and Jordan Williams two.
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The young Nighthawk team only has one senior, Watkins, as a starter. The rest of the starting lineup is made up of juniors.
Murrieta Valley has had a tough time making free throws this season; the team missed nine of 19 during Thursday's game.
The Nighthawks are getting ready for the CIF Southern Section Division 2AA Playoffs. They are currently ranked eighth in the division.
