The Saugus Centurion boys basketball team put up a big lead early and never looked back on their way to an 81-56 win on the road against Hart, as they attempt to stay in the hunt for the playoffs with a third straight Foothill League win. 

In the first quarter, Sophomore guard Nathan Perez came fast out of the gates on offense, scoring nine points as he found lanes to get to the basket and nailed a three to help Saugus jump ahead to a 24-11 lead.

“I just woke up this morning and felt like this is going to be a good game today,” said Perez.

Perez’s effective play also opened things up for Davis White, who scored all eight of his points for the game in the first quarter.

Perez finished the night with 23 points, and helped seal the deal for the Centurions in the second half with nine points in the third quarter.

“Nate is my guy, whenever I’m not having a good game he steps up really big time,” said Saugus guard Adrian McIntyre. “And Nate’s a young player, he’s going to develop a lot more.”

After the quick start for Saugus, Hart began to find the offense to stop the bleeding and managed to keep Saugus from increasing their lead in the second quarter.

Ty Penberthy and Dillion Barrientos did most of the damage for Hart with 13 and 14 points, respectively, for the night.

McIntyre really found his groove in the second half however, and dropped 18 points on the Hart defense on his way to a 28 point game.

“Our mentality ever since the West Ranch game has been we have to take every single game one at a time,” McIntyre said. “So every day we come out, we know it’s a new day and we never know what’s going to happen in the future.”

Hart and Saugus now stand tied in the Foothill League standings at 3-2 each. 

On Friday, Saugus returns home for a second chance at first place Valencia, while Hart prepares to host a Golden Valley team still looking for its first win in Foothill League play.

KHTS Sports is your place for the 2019 Santa Clarita high school football season and your Santa Clarita Dodgers coverage. 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.