Paloma beats Heritage for share of basketball league title

Paloma Valley High School basketball players pose for a team photo after Wednesday night's championship win. Photos by Kristo Jo Aguirre

The Paloma Valley High School boys basketball team defeated rival Heritage Wednesday night, 65-44, to claim its first league championship ever.

Forward Demario Willard led the way with 17 points and guard Chance Nolan scored 16 for the Wildcats, who improved their overall record to 21-6 at the end of the regular season. Paloma Valley finished Sunbelt League play 9-1 and finished in a tie for the league title with Temescal Canyon.

Guard Terry Strong chipped in with 13 points for the Wildcats. Paloma Valley jumped out to an 11-4 lead by the end of the first quarter and was in total command by halftime with a 24-14 advantage. Guard Dominique Daniels led all scorers with 19 points for Heritage, which is 12-15 overall and finished league play 4-6.

The Wildcats will advance to the CIF playoffs, which begin next week. First-round match-ups will be announced on Sunday.

(At right, Paloma Valley guard Brady Bouman handles the ball against Heritage).

Heritage guard Dominique Daniels drives with the ball against Paloma Valley defender Terry Strong.