Warriors lose boys basketball playoff opener in overtime

Guajome Park was the higher-seeded boys basketball team in the Frogs' June 1 home playoff game against Fallbrook High School, which means that the CIF playoff seeding committee expected Guajome Park to win. Fallbrook took the game into overtime before being outscored in the fifth quarter.

"We played really, really hard," said Fallbrook coach Moe Golshani.

The score was 58-58 at the end of regulation before an 11-5 Frogs advantage in the overtime period gave Guajome Park the 69-63 victory.

"It was tough," Golshani said.

When two teams are tied at the end of regulation, the elimination of one mistake could have turned the losing squad into the winner. "It's really frustrating for me because I know how hard these kids worked," Golshani said.

Fallbrook committed 24 turnovers during the game. "We turned the ball over excessively in the first half," Golshani said. "A couple of those silly turnovers changed the game tremendously."

The Warriors made only eight of 20 free throw attempts. "That hurts," Golshani said.

Fallbrook led by four points with 30 seconds remaining in the first half. The Warriors missed a three-point shot and then fouled the Guajome Park shooter, who made both free throws. The Frogs' next possession involved a Fallbrook foul on a three-point shot, and the Guajome Park player made all three of the free throws to put the Frogs up by one at halftime.

"That turned the game big time," Golshani said. "Those five points were the difference in the game when it all came down to it."

Guajome Park's 24-23 halftime lead was expanded with a 21-15 scoring advantage in the third period. The Warriors trailed by eight with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. "We came back and tied it," Golshani said. "They allowed us to get back into the game."

With a minute remaining in regulation, senior Yoni Villagran made a three-point basket to give Fallbrook a 56-55 lead, although the Frogs were able to capitalize on missed free throws. The Warriors had the ball in the final 10 seconds of the fourth period, although the Guajome Park defense was able to prevent the Warriors from making the winning bucket.

"Hats off to them for executing when necessary," Golshani said.

Golshani also praised Guajome Park senior Kendahl Toft. "Down the stretch, he made a couple of huge buckets," he said.

Guajome Park had more than just a scoring advantage in overtime. "We were dead tired," Golshani said. "They were deeper than we were."

Fallbrook had the 10th seed in the Division IV playoffs. Guajome Park was seeded seventh.

"They were a better team and more experienced team for sure," Golshani said. "They were better than us as far as skills and talent."

Charlie Stallings, who is a junior, led the Warriors in scoring with 18 points. He also had 11 defensive and five offensive rebounds, three blocks, two assists, two steals, and two deflections.

Fallbrook sophomore Reese Holmes scored 14 points. Villagran and freshman Marquise Washington each provided 10 points. Jewon Williams, Fallbrook's other senior, had seven points. The final high school game for Villagran also included eight rebounds split evenly between offensive and defensive, seven assists, and one deflection. Williams added a rebound and an assist to close out his prep career. Washington grabbed seven rebounds consisting of three offensive and four defensive ones. Fallbrook's other four points were scored by sophomore Marcus Washington, who added three offensive and six defensive rebounds, three steals, and four deflections.

The Warriors lost their first 10 games of the season. "If a month and a half ago you told me we had a chance to win a playoff game in overtime, I would have told you you were probably crazy," Golshani said.

The playoff loss finalized Fallbrook's season record at 8-19. A 5-5 Valley League record was worth fourth place in the final standings.

"We accomplished a lot," Golshani said. "The improvement is fabulous."

During the summer, Golshani will oversee practices at the high school on Monday and Wednesday evenings. "We have a lot of guys coming back. Can't wait to get to the gym," he said.