BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS / DIVISION V-A

Heritage Christian (24-4) vs. Los Angeles Price (28-1)

4:45 TODAY LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

How much of an underdog is second-seeded Heritage Christian? Well, Patriot Coach Mark Berokoff calls top-seeded Price the “Compton Dominguez of Division V,” and with good reason. The Knights’ suffocating defense and up-tempo offense--styles similar to those used by Heritage Christian--have led to an average margin of victory of 39 points. Six Price players average double figures in scoring. Heritage Christian features nice balance with guards Matt Winter and Jason Grier to go with big man Matt Williams. The Patriots have made 35% of their three-pointers. Heritage Christian’s average margin of victory is 22 points, but the Patriots needed Grier’s three-pointer with seven seconds left to defeat Antelope Valley Christian in the semifinals.

KEY PLAYERS

Heritage Christian

G Matt Winter, Sr.

17.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.9 apg

G Jason Grier, Sr.

18.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 5.5 apg

G Ryan Meyer, Sr.

15.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.6 apg

Price

G Mychal Lynch, Sr.

14.7 ppg, 8.2 apg

F Othell Johnson, Sr.

12.2 ppg, 9 rpg

G Andrew Howard, Sr.

52% on three-pointers