Boys’ basketball: Alemany wins first state crown

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Mission Hills Alemany survived a frenetic fourth quarter and captured the CIF Division III state championship with a 71-67 victory over Sacred Heart Cathedral of San Francisco at Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento.

The teams traded baskets for the final eight minutes but the Warriors (33-4) prevailed on the strength of 27 points and nine rebounds from senior guard Marqueze Coleman and 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals from guard Max Guercy. It is the first state title for Alemany, which took control of the game in the third quarter with a 23-11 spurt.

Joshua Fox had 19 points, Tyler Petroni had 15 points and Taylor Johns added 13 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks for the Fightin’ Irish (28-6), who crept to within two points several times over the final three minutes.

Alemany, which defeated Oak Park to win the Southern Section Division 3A title, shot 41.8% from the field and made 20 of 29 foul shots. Sacred Heart Cathedral, the North Coast Section champion, shot 46.3% and out-rebounded the Warriors 38-33.

-- Steve Galluzzo