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Jayden Trower directing traffic in Second Round playoff game against Mission Prep. He had 15 points for the Vikings (February 16, 2018)

Valencia And Santa Clarita Christian At Home Tonight In Boys Basketball Quarter Finals – February 20, 2018

It was a little over six weeks ago when the Santa Clarita Christian Cardinals earned their signature non-league win of the season, a 73-48 thumping of Valencia in the 2018 War on the Floor Showcase. Since then, the teams are a combined 23-6 and the last remaining Santa Clarita teams in their respective playoff brackets.

Division 2A

8 Hesperia (24-5) vs Valencia (13-14)

The Vikings have saved their best basketball for the right time of the season, and take a five-game winning streak in tonight’s Quarter Final matchup at home with Hesperia.

Through the first two rounds, they’ve overwhelmed teams with their length and ability to convert turnovers in to easy fast break points. Juniors Josh Assiff and Jayden Trower combined for 32 points in their 68-63 win over Mission Prep on Friday. Seniors Ben Grant and CJ Finley provide the calming presence on the floor that is balanced by the exuberance of guys like Josh Assiff.

If the Vikings are to keep it rolling further than tonight, it appears they’ll have to do it without 2017 Player of the Year in the Foothill League, Dexter Akanno. He is out with a leg injury.

Hesperia comes to Valencia with a 14-game winning streak of its own, led by junior Jaden Shackelford (23.3 points per game). Shutting Shackelford down will be the biggest key to victory for the Vikings.

Tip-off is at 7:00.

Division 5AAA

8 La Quinta (21-7) vs 2 Santa Clarita Christian (17-9)

The Cardinals offensive explosion in the 2018 calendar year is only topped by their defensive intensity. They’ve held 15 out of 16 opponents to 60 points or less. And they’ve topped the century mark twice.

Everyone has elevated their games on this 11-game streak, from the Lowery Brothers to the Starr Brothers to freshman guard Noah Veluzat.

Senior captain Jordan Starr leads the way as a rangy 6’7″ wing that can put the ball on the floor, rebound and pass. He’s a triple-double threat every game (16 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists in playoff win over Rubidoux).

Tonight, the SCCS defense will be tested by juniors Michael Nadeau (16.3 ppg) and Anthony Nguyen (13 ppg). Nadeau in particular is capable of dominating performances, as he dropped 29 points and 11 rebounds on Ontario Christian last Friday.

Tip-off from Bross Court at The Master’s University is at 7:30.

KHTS Sports is your place for Santa Clarita Sports Report and the winter sports season. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC. If you have any news and notes about our teams and players to share please send them to jp@hometownstation.com, like us on facebook.com/khtssports and follow us @KHTSSports on Twitter.

Valencia And Santa Clarita Christian At Home Tonight In Boys Basketball Quarter Finals – February 20, 2018

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About Justin Powell

Justin moved to the San Fernando Valley from the Inland Empire in 2011 to complete his BA of Communications degree at California State University, Northridge. Just a few months after getting his degree he moved to Valencia and started as an intern at AM-1220 KHTS, and was promoted to Sports Reporter within a year. Though Justin is still relatively new to the Santa Clarita Valley, he is an avid sports fan and passionate about building the sports department at KHTS into a special source for local high school sports.