Rodriguez propels Casa Grande boys to Nor Cal tourney win

CHICO -- Joey Rodriguez poured in 27 points Tuesday to lead Casa Grande High’s boys’ basketball team to an easy 66-42 win over Pleasant Valley in the first round of the Northern California Division I Tournament.

Rodriguez connected on four 3-pointers as the Gauchos improved to 27-5. The Vikings finished their season 16-13.

Casa Grande advances to play top-seeded Archbishop Mitty in San Jose on Thursday at 7 p.m. Mitty (28-2) drew a first-round bye.

The Gauchos didn’t let the 170-mile, three-hour drive north bother them. They took a 31-20 halftime lead and cruised to victory.

Nate Sherry scored 20 points and seven rebounds for Casa Grande. Chase Stafford added six points. Josh Hayworth helped the Gauchos control the boards with 11 rebounds in the victory.