The Galena High boys basketball managed to come out of the high-powered Westchester Tournament in Los Angeles with a win, beating Southern California's View Park 77-73 on Saturday.
Galena was coming off two loss to high-powered teams, Westchester, ranked No. 13 in the nation, and Compton Dominguez. Against View Park, the Grizzlies had to overcome the effort of Jason Pruitt, the brother of USC starting point guard Ryan Pruitt, who scored 41 points.
Grizzly coach Tom Mauer said even though his team knew what Pruitt was going to do, he was still unstoppable. "Obviously the defense wasn't up to our (standard)," Mauer said.
But Galena was able to win thanks in large part to its effort from the foul line where it hit 30-of-40 (75 percent).
Galena was also able to get Tristan Hill and Brice Crook involved as Hill scored 10 points and Crook added 14. Luke Babbitt scored 25.
"We finally got the ball to the people we needed to," Mauer said. "After the athletes we've been facing, I just thought a win was more important."
The Grizzlies will open their own George Maldonado Tournament against Southern California's Artesia, ranked No. 2 in the nation, at 8 p.m. Wednesday. "Artesia is going to be unbelievable," Mauer said.
Galena could also face Arlington Country Day of Florida, ranked No. 8 in the nation, in the tournament.