Nogales Lone Survivor, Advances to First Semifinal Since 1995

LA PUENTE – Entering Tuesday nights quarterfinal round, three area high school teams (Nogales, Walnut, and Diamond Bar) each had its eyes set on the prize: a chance to advance to the semifinals. When the dust cleared, only Nogales remained standing by virtue of its 81-59 victory over the visiting Oxnard Huneme

Junior Point guard Dale Batac led three Nobles in double figures, tallying 23 point and four assists, while Matthew Frazier added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Brandon Nguyen chipped in 18 points, including five 3-pointers. Bershawn Levi and Jose Flores led Nogales defensively, grabbing 11 and nine rebounds, respectively.

With the victory, Nogales punched its ticket to its first semi final since 1995 when the Nobles eventually advanced to the finals only to face and fall to perennial powerhouse Mater Dei.

Nogales (23-7) has advanced as far as the quarter finals three times, most recently in 2009 when they failed to advance against Perris.

Hueneme (13-11) kept the game close, with Nogales not being able to have a lead no greater than eight points at any point in the game. The Vikings outscored Nogales 12-9 in the second quarter to close the gap to 27-29 heading into halftime.

Nogales kept pace, winning the third quarter 23-21, but blew the game wide open, outscoring the visitors 29-11 to pull away.

Nogales hosts Santa Ana Century Friday night. Tipoff is at 7pm.

Photo: Dale Batac (with ball) starts the Nobles break. Batac led all scorers with 23 points and dished out four assists

DIVISION 2A Walnut 50, Muir 62

DIVISION 3A Diamond Bar 53, Riverside Notre Dame 71