Helix Can't Match Hoover's Firepower in CIF Semis

When the Helix Charter High boys basketball team began the season by splitting its first eight decisions, coach John Singer wasn’t sure what to expect. Certainly he has had more talented teams.

But as the pages began to turn on this season, Singer saw that there was something special about this group. It has a non-stop work ethic.

Never was that more evident than it was in Wednesday night’s 65-50 CIF San Diego Section Division II semifinal loss to second-seeded Hoover.

Despite seeing the season end and losing for only the third time in their final 21 games, Singer had nothing but praise for his Highlanders.

“Our kids played their butts off,” the coach said. “They never quit in this game or any game this season. It’s one of the most fun groups I’ve coached in my 30 years.”

Helix (22-7) zipped out to an early lead at Hoover as Kenny Keys hit a three-pointer from the corner and Tommie Young followed with a short jumper making it 5-0 a minute into the game.

After that Hoover countered with a 9-0 run and was never headed.

A pair of free throws by Young brought the Highlanders to within 23-20 before the Cardinals’ 6-foot-9 Angelo Chol ended the opening half with a three-pointer at the buzzer, staking Hoover to a six-point advantage.

“I think we maximized our effort about as much as we can,” Singer said. “Hoover has a little better firepower, but our kids battled them the whole way. I’m very proud of my guys.”

Helix had no answer for Chol, who is headed to the University of Arizona on a basketball scholarship. The Cardinals’ agile big man, the all-time national record holder for blocked shots, swatted away five Helix field goal attempts and altered countless other shots. He also finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds and three steals.

Hoover was holding a 32-27 edge when Chol picked up his fourth foul midway through the third quarter. The smaller Highlanders were unable to challenge for the lead even without the big man on the floor the final four minutes of the period.

Hoover (26-6), which takes on defending state champion Lincoln in Friday’s Division II final at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion (8:05 p.m.), closed the third period with a 14-7 scoring burst to open up a 46-34 advantage.

Brian Valadez scored 13 of his team-best 16 points in the second half for the Highlanders. Tommie Young totaled 14 points, but just four over the last two quarters.

Helix         12        8        14       1 6    —  50

Hoover     17        9       20        19    —  65

Helix scoring: Brian Valadez 16, Tommie Young 14, Kenny Keys 12, Johnny Singer 3, Titus Young 2, Michael Todd 2, Kevin Williams 1.

Hoover scoring: Chol 23, Booker 12, Davis 11, Jones 10, Holiday 7, Cain 2.  

Special to Patch.com from East County Sports.com