Boys Basketball: Rams Beat Broncos to Stay in Race

Murrieta Mesa varsity boys basketball's win Tuesday over Vista Murrieta put the Rams one game behind league-leading Great Oak.

The Broncos were not about to lay down and wither away for Murrieta Mesa. In a tough, physical contest, both teams were determined to come away with the victory. The first half ended tied at 22-22.

Murrieta Mesa's senior guard Trevon Session, who is healthy again after suffering an ankle injury, showed the Broncos what he can do by scoring 23 points.

“Trevon Session sparked us in the second half after a sluggish start. He scored 20 of his (23) points in the second half to keep us in the hunt for a share of the league title. Austin Bryant gave us great inside presence. We didn’t shoot the ball very well; he was able to settle us down with his inside game,” said Murrieta Mesa Coach Russell Ham.

The Rams surged ahead in the fourth period and won the game 61-54. Bryant scored 13 points with seven rebounds; Shane Staton had 19 points and led the Rams with 10 boards. Shane Bryant, Khalil Sharpe and Andrew Smith each scored two points.

The Broncos were led by Anthony White’s 14 points. Jacob Perry scored 10 while Austin Beech had eight points and led Vista Murrieta with 10 rebounds. Evan Roberts had five points while Spencer Benson and Nick Stevens four each. Jeremy Zorotovich, Westin Long and Peter Manu all scored two points.

The victory sets up the big game Thursday with the first-place Wolfpack, who lost to the Rams 58-55 in their last meeting. The game determines this year's Southwestern League champions.

Great Oak is currently 7-2 in league and 16-8 overall, while Murrieta Mesa's league win-loss record to date is 6-3. Overall, the Rams are 16-10.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position to share the league title. To be able to do this in only our third varsity season is a good feeling. The guys are excited for the opportunity,” Ham said.

Game time is 7 p.m.