In Barron, Santa Clara Finds Big Edge, 64-52

Art Barron can remember the last time he scored this many points.

“Last week,” he said, pausing for a wide grin, “at the park.”

Santa Clara High is known for its balanced offense, but Barron scored 23 points Thursday--13 in the fourth quarter--to help the host Saints defeat Serra, 64-52, in a boys’ Southern region Division IV basketball semifinal at Ventura College.

Barron, a guard, matched his season high in scoring, set in the second game. He scored eight consecutive points for Santa Clara during one fourth-quarter stretch and made seven of 10 free throws and two three-point baskets during the period.

Three-time defending regional champion Santa Clara (27-3) will play Lincoln in the final at Cal State Dominguez Hills at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

“This game was a boost,” said Barron, one of Santa Clara’s five senior starters. “I’m going out this year and I want to go out right.”

Santa Clara, which led by six points after three quarters, went on a 10-3 run to begin the fourth and take a 54-39 lead with 4 minutes 17 seconds left. Barron made two three-point shots during the run.

Serra got no closer than nine points thereafter.

One of the Cavaliers’ strengths was their size. They outrebounded Santa Clara, 40-30, and had 20 offensive rebounds to Santa Clara’s seven.

But the Saints made five of 10 three-point shots--Barron made four--and hit 21 of 42 shots overall. Serra made only 19 of 44 field-goal attempts and 10 of 17 free throws.

The Saints contained each of the Cavaliers’ high scorers. Dan Carpenter (24.3 points per game) scored 13 points, Akeli Jackson (22.2) had nine, Arthur Tate (16.5) had 10 and Michael Boyd (12.2) had five.

Isaiah Mustafa had 16 points for Santa Clara and Chris Cole added 13.

The Saints led, 31-23, at halftime. They went on a nine-point run to take a 24-15 lead with 5:09 left in the half. Serra committed four turnovers during the run.

On back-to-back defensive stands in the second quarter, Cole displayed some of the ability that made him Southern Section Division IV player of the year as a junior. He stole the ball on a two-on-two fast break and blocked a layup attempt by the 6-5 Tate.

Barron, meanwhile, scored 10 points in the first half. Eight came in the second quarter, when he made three-point baskets on consecutive possessions.

“Santa Clara is such a well-coached team,” Serra Coach Dwan Hurt said. “Whoever they face is going to have some trouble with them. They’ve been there before.”