Basketball Roundup : Garner Shoots Rio Mesa to 83-69 Victory

Led by senior forward Jeff Garner, Rio Mesa High came back from a 6-point halftime deficit to defeat Channel League-rival Buena, 83-69, and take third place in the Beverly Hills tournament Saturday night.

Garner had 28 points, including 18 in the second half, to lead all scorers. Garner made 10 of 12 field-goal attempts and 4 of 5 free throws. He also had 4 3-point baskets.

Garner sat out most of the third quarter after committing his fourth foul early in the period but compensated by hitting 7 of 7 shots in the fourth quarter, including 3 3-pointers. Garner’s final basket, a breakaway reverse dunk with 37 seconds left, put Rio Mesa ahead, 82-67.

Rio Mesa (5-1) led throughout the first quarter and went into the second quarter with a 22-18 lead. In the closing minute of the second quarter, however, Buena went on an 8-0 run to take a 43-37 advantage into intermission.

Buena (6-2) was led by junior center Darren Shearer, who scored 16 points, including 10 in the second half. Buena was 28 of 60 from the field and 18 of 28 from the line; Rio Mesa made 33 of 55 shots and was 12 of 23 from the line.

Eric Thomas and Derek Kawai each had 12 points for Rio Mesa.