Boys Basketball: Nighthawks, Broncos Fall; Murrieta Mesa Opens With Win

Defending Southwestern League Champion Murrieta Valley varsity boys basketball's four-game, two- year winning streak over Great Oak came to a shuddering end Wednesday night.

The Nighthawks were surprised and overwhelmed by the Wolfpack's aggressive offensive and defensive play.  

Great Oak took control in the first period and never relinquished the lead. At the half, MVHS was down 29-21.

Kevin Padlo scored 18 points and five rebounds for the Nighthawks. Thomas Alexander dropped in nine points while Jordan Williams added six. Mitchell Lenhart also scored four points and Tyler Bilton had two.

The Wolfpack played an aggressive, physical inside game that shut down the Nighthawks. The loss to Great Oak stunned Murrieta Valley. Great Oak's league record was 4-16 over the past two seasons while the Nighthawks were 19-1. 

Final score Nighthawks 39, Wolfpack 54.

Murrieta Valley will be home Friday to host the Murrieta Mesa Rams, who have a talented senior-laden roster.

Murrieta Mesa is off to a great start in league play beating the Chaparral Pumas 72-51 at home.

Shondell Smith scored 20 points for the Rams. Teammate Shane Staton had 17 points, including four three-pointers. Murrieta Mesa capitalized on its penalty opportunities, sinking 10-10 from free throw lines.

"We've been playing better of late but still have a long way to go to consider ourselves contenders" said coach Russell Ham. "Each league team has their unique style of play and we look forward to the challenges that face us in the next month and half."

Vista Murrieta lost its league opener to Temecula Valley 80-54. The Broncos proved to be no match for the Golden Bears' scoring machine and trailed the entire game.

Led by Spencer Benson’s 11 points, the Broncos had 11 players score. Anthony White had 10 points, while Jordan Matson and Jacob Perry both scored six. Jamie Nunley led the Broncos with 11 rebounds.

The Broncos travel to Great Oak Friday night to take on the Wolfpack.

All games are at 7 p.m. Come out and support the Rams, Nighthawks and Broncos and catch some exciting basketball action.