Palm Desert saw it’s season end when junior guard Jonathan Serven’s last second heave from 80 feet hit a light over center court.
The Aztecs fell to Artesia 47-45 in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section boys basketball playoffs.
Palm Desert was fortunate to be in a spot where a last second shot could be a game winner, as Artesia went just four of 10 from the free throw line in the final minute.
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The Aztecs had opened an 11 point lead mid-way through the third quarter, then Artesia rolled off 14 unanswered points to close the period. From there, the Pioneers would be in control for the rest of the evening.
Artesia, a CIF Division 3 State Champion in 2007, but an at-large qualifier this year, used a strong pressure defense and athleticism to force the Aztecs into numerous turnovers.
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“We didn’t do a real good job on their press,” Palm Desert coach Don Brady said as he picked up discarded water cups from the Aztec bench. ”It was kind of sad to watch, because it’s our last game in this gym.”
The Aztecs move into a new gym being built on-campus for the next season.
Artesia couldn’t match Palm Desert’s perimeter attack, but more than made up for it with a solid inside game.
Serven scored 13 of his game high 19 in the final quarter, while senior guard Parker Trapp added 18 for Palm Desert, mostly in the first half. Junior guard James Floyd led Artesia with 14 points.
The Palm Desert boys end their season with a mark of 17-9 overall.
