The Murrieta Mesa Rams made a statement Friday night, letting everyone in the tough Southwestern league know they are a team to contend with.
Coach Russell Ham took his team into Chaparral, where the Rams were focused on winning from the very beginning. Trailing Chaparral 14-13, Murrieta Mesa exploded for 24-points in the second period to pull away 37-22 at the half.
The Rams momentum never faltered as they dominated the Pumas and went on to win 66-49.
Khalil Sharpe was named player of the game by Coach Ham.
“Khalil controlled every aspect of the game. He shot 7-10 from the field and was 6-8 from Free throw line for 20 points,” Ham said. "He also had 5 rebounds and 5 assists."
Shondell Smith scored 16 points for Murrieta Mesa. Trevon Session added 13, Austin Bryant and Shane Staton had four apiece. Camry Smith, Kellen Broach and Andrew Smith scored two while Ricky Orellano sunk a free throw.
The first place Rams will now travel across town to Murrieta Valley on Wednesday to face a tough Nighthawk team stinging from a loss to Great Oak. MVHS is the reigning league champion and is looking to reclaim a piece of the top spot.
Vista Murrieta ran into a tough Temecula Valley team Friday. Coming off a strong showing by defeating Chaparral on Wednesday, the Broncos never got started as they fell behind the Golden Bears from the opening tip-off.
The Broncos were outscored by 15 points in the first two periods and trailed 19-34 at the half. It did not get any better.
The Broncos gave up 40 points in the second half while only scoring 22. Final score Vista Murrieta 41, Temecula Valley 74.
The Broncos will next meet the league-leading Wolfpack from Great Oak next week. The Broncos find themselves with a 1-5 league record and at the bottom of the heap as second half play proceeds.
