Rowland Outlasts Nogales in League Opener 54-51

ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Rivalries are a big deal in sports, be it professional, collegiate, or even at the high school level. As the saying goes, “when two rivals meet all the records go out the window.” Before their meeting, both Nogales and Rowland were going in opposite directions, with Nogales entering 6-10 while Rowland was 10-4. Wednesday night, it was the hosts Raiders prevailing over the visiting Nogales Nobles 54-51 in the Valle Vista League opener for both teams.

Nogales had a chance to go ahead with about 20 seconds to go in the game, but the go ahead attempt fell landed long which gave the raiders a chance to regain the lead, which they did when Jesus Hernandez, Jr sank two free throws in the waning seconds to regain a three-point lead. Ethan Anonas’ attempt to send the game into overtime fell just short as the Raiders escaped with the victory.

Dominic Gangcuangco led three Nobles in double figures with 15 points, two assists and two steals. Justin Roque chipped in 12 points and two rebounds, while Wayne Provido tallied 11 points, two rebounds and two assists for Nogales who fell to 0-1 in league play.

Rowland drew first blood on a Jonathon Hu basket, but Nogales would respond with two quick baskets by Anonas and Sean Jones to take a 5-2 lead. After Ganguangco hit a jumper to tie the game at 7-7, Hernandez, Jr made four consecutive shots, including three from behind the arc to give the Raiders a commanding 19-9 lead to end the first quarter.

Hernandez, Jr finished with a game-high 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Derek Ohara pitched in 22 points for the Raiders who opened 1-0 in Valley Vista League play.

Nogales clawed back into the game as it outscored Rowland 15-9, including six points by Gangcuangco and five points by Roque to close the gap to 28-24 heading into halftime.

After a three-point play conversion tied the score at 41-41 for Nogales, Hernandez, Jr would hit three free throws, and then a basket to give Rowland a 46-41 lead heading into the final quarter.

Nogales looks to bounce back from Wednesday’s loss as it hosts San Dimas Friday night. Tipoff is at 6:30pm.

BOX SCORE

ROWLAND – (54) –Jesus Hernandez, Jr (23), Derek Ohara (22), Tyler Gachett (4), Jonathon Hu (3), Ebryanto Soemardy (2)

NOGALES – (51) - Dominic Gangcuangco (15), Justin Roque (12), Wayne Provido (11), Ethan Anonas (9), Sean Jones (4)

Wednesday Scores:

Hacienda League : Walnut 73, West Covina 61

Diamond Ranch 73, Charter Oak 51

Palomares League: Diamond Bar 50, Claremont 75