Santa Clarita sports report, January 20, 2016. This is your place for Santa Clarita’s winter 2015/16 sports. 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.

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Santa Clarita High School Boys Basketball

Defense continues to be the key to success for the Hart Indians (3-0), suffocating opponents with their length.

Hart’s frontcourt ability to guard multiple positions was on display Tuesday against West Ranch (2-1), as the trio of Ryan Kaneshiro, Whitten Dominguez and Cameron Fuller (who had a strong first half before getting into foul trouble in the 3rd quarter) held Austin Galuppo and company to 53 points.

The 62-53 Indians’ win snapped the Wildcats’ five-game win streak and forced the Cats to 19 points below their Foothill League average of 72 points per game.

Hart’s Chad Donohoe and WR’s Galuppo tied for the game-high with 19 points.

It was a special night for the Valencia Vikings (1-2) basketball family, who got a favorite son back on the court for the first time in over two years.

The imposing 6’7″ Chibuzo Ikonte collapsed while practicing on campus in 2013, and his journey back was made complete last night in a homecoming worth celebrating. Down most of the night to the Canyon Cowboys (0-3), the Vikings rallied in the 2nd half thanks to 24 points from the senior forward to get the game to 65-65.

Then, birthday boy Isaac Davis hit a go-ahead shot to finish the Cowboys off for a 67-65 drama-filled Vikings victory.

Quietly, the Golden Valley Grizzlies (3-0) continue to put together their finest season in some time. Last night’s 84-66 throttling of Saugus (0-3), put GV at three Foothill League wins to start the season, one better than all of last year (2-8).

Freshman Richard Kawakami is going to be a force in the league for years to come, taking player of the game honors last night with his 21 points and control of the paint.

Santa Clarita High School Girls Basketball

Down goes No. 1! Valencia (3-0) flexed Tuesday night, and top ranked Canyon (2-1) had no answers for the Vikings dominance on defense.

The Vikings had 14 steals and forced the Cowboys into 21 turnovers in their 59-32 statement win at home. Junior forward Jade Jordan was on fire from the field, knocking down five triples and finishing with 24 points.

Hart (2-1) used a big 3rd quarter (outscoring WR 13-3) to separate from West Ranch (0-3) for a 50-43 win. It’s been tough going for the Wildcats, winners of three out of four going into Foothill League play but still searching for their first win of the league season.

Golden Valley (1-2) got off the snide, edging Saugus (1-2) at home, 41-38 to complete the basketball sweep for the Grizzlies.

Santa Clarita High School Boys Soccer

Joshua Garnica and Michael Shaffery each scored second half goals for the Hart Indians (3-0) in their 2-0 home win over the struggling Saugus Centurions (1-2). The win marks three straight shutouts wins for Hart, and the loss makes two straight shutout losses for Saugus.

Hart is a perfect 7 goals for and 0 goals against in the Foothill League.

The Valencia Vikings (3-0) are also a perfect 15 goals scored with non conceded in the first three league matches of the season. The Vikes demolished Golden Valley (0-3) Tuesday afternoon with five second half goals in a 6-0 win.

The Indians and Vikings are on a collision course for the league title, with the first of two matches coming next Tuesday (1/26).

After suffering a 7-0 defeat to rival Valencia in the league opener, the West Ranch Wildcats (1-2) have been much tougher in defence in the last two matches against Hart (1-0 loss) and yesterday’s 2-1 home victory over the Canyon Cowboys (1-2).

Santa Clarita High School Girls Soccer

Three matches in the Foothill League yesterday, three shutouts. Much like the boys team, the Valencia (3-0) ladies have yet to concede a goal in league competition.

The Vikings needed a late second half goal to secure the 1-0 win against Golden Valley (1-2).

Hart (2-0-1) is still unbeaten after getting goals in both halves to defeat Saugus (0-3), 2-0.

The boys and girls teams seasons seem to be mirroring themselves, with Hart and Valencia a cut above and the rest of the league playing for 3rd.

Speaking of 3rd place, West Ranch (1-1-1) picked up its first win in the Foothill League and jumped a few spots to sit right behind 2nd place Hart. The Wildcats scored a first half goal against Canyon (1-2) and held on for the 1-0 win.

COC Basketball

Cougars Basketball is back at home tonight for Game 5 of the Western State Conference schedule.

The men’s and women’s teams are headed in different directions, with the men still searching for their first win of the season and the women a perfect 4-0.

Today the Lady Cougars take on West LA at 5, and the men tip off at 7 pm.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers signed veteran relief pitcher Joe Blanton to a $4 million contract for the 2016 season. Blanton resurrected his career by moving to the bullpen last season after a career as a starter.

In 21 long relief appearances for the Pirates, Blanton posted a 1.57 ERA.

Los Angeles Rams

Your Los Angeles Rams had the top rookie of the 2015 season according to the Pro Football Writer’s Association. Yesterday, the PFWA selected running back Todd Gurley as its Rookie of the Year.

Also selected to the all-rookie team was Rob Havenstein. The former Wisconsin Badger started 13 games at right tackle as a rookie and did not allow a sack.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are at home tonight to take on Boogie Cousins and the Sacramento Kings. Tip-off is at 7:30.

KHTS AM-1220 is your place for the 2015/16 winter sports and the Santa Clarita sports report. If you have any news and notes about our teams to share please send them to [email protected] and follow us @KHTSSports on Twitter.