Krogh Delivers in the Clutch for Centurions

After spending most of the second half in foul trouble, guard Chad Krogh of Saugus High was hoping to redeem himself.

When he finally got an opportunity, he responded by making a three-point basket with 1:11 remaining to give the Centurions a six-point lead.

That made all the difference for host Saugus, which held on for a 58-52 victory over Valencia on Friday night in a battle for first place in the Foothill League.

Krogh said he didn’t think twice about taking the shot.

“I was in foul trouble and I just knew I had to make something happen at the end,” Krogh said.

For Saugus Coach Jeff Hallman, it was more a case of relief.

He had watched the Centurions (13-6, 4-0 in league play) nearly squander a 19-point, third-quarter lead.

Valencia (12-7, 3-1) narrowed its deficit to 52-50 on a free throw by Will Broadous with 2:09 remaining before Saugus pulled away.

“It was scary,” Hallman said. “But this team has a lot of grit.”

Krogh, who made six of nine shots, and Marc Holmquist each scored 14 points for the Centurions.

Valencia made only 17 of 48 shots (35.4%) and committed 31 turnovers. Albert Ingram scored 19 points for the Vikings before leaving the game because of a leg cramp late in the fourth quarter.