Boys Basketball: Las Lomas Takes Out Stockton Power, Advances to NorCal Semis

Las Lomas 66, St. Mary's-Stockton 51

The boys basketball team is moving on.

Playing on the road against Sac-Joaquin Section Division II champion St. Mary's of Stocton at Delta College, the Knights pulled away with a brilliant fourth quarter to advance to the California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Regional semifinals.

St. Mary's, which boast a 6-10 center and a talented 6-4 wing, kept it close throughout, but after keeping Las Lomas sharp-shooter Kevin Stafford without a point in the first half, Stafford went for 14 after halftime.

The Knights led 45-40 after three quarters, but opened the final quarter on a 7-0 run to pull away. Treaven Duffy led the Knights with 25 points.

"It's kind of how we've rolled all year," Knights coach Jeff Loving said of the big nights from Duffy and Stafford.

In Las Lomas' in the first round, the duo combined for 45 points.

Loving said the Knights also got good games from Khirey Carson and Kenny Grimble.

It doesn't get any easier from here.

The Knights (27-5) will be back on the road Saturday to take on the state's No. 2 ranked Division II team — Archbishop Mitty of San Jose.

"Mitty no question will be the best team I've ever coached against," Loving said. 

The Monarchs (29-2) were 71-43 winners against Casa Grande and feature sophomore Aaron Gordon, who will be one of the most recruited players in the nation during the next two years. (check out this Gordon dunk on YouTube) 

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Las Lomas 66, St. Mary's-Stockton 51

Las Lomas 11 19 15 21 — 66

St. Mary's 14 9 17 11 — 51

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