Lightning doesn’t strike

NEWPORT COAST — The public address announcer referred to Frank Shapiro as “The Boss” every time he made a play for Sage Hill School on Thursday.

On Senior Night, Shapiro tried to knock out the boss of the boys’ basketball rivalry against St. Margaret’s. Three weeks earlier, the Lightning beat the Tartans for the first time in school history.

There would be no second time. The Tartans avoided being swept by the Lightning as it won the Academy League finale at Sage Hill, 63-58.

The Lightning (16-7, 6-4 in league) finished in second place in league, a huge improvement from last season’s fifth-place showing. However, they head into next week’s CIF Southern Section Division V-AA playoffs with two straight losses.

The player who helped Sage Hill prevail at St. Margaret’s last time almost brought the Lightning back again. Mark Loper twice got Sage Hill within five points in the fourth quarter.

The junior poured in 10 of his 18 points in the final eight minutes. Each time the Lightning inched closer, the Tartans (13-9, 5-5) responded.

Kevin Wang delivered a blow to Sage Hill’s comeback bid. With 2:06 to go, Wang attacked the basket and converted a layup while being fouled.

Wang, who finished with 19 points, made the free-throw attempt. St. Margaret’s jumped ahead, 55-44, grabbing its biggest lead of the game.

Loper continued to score, getting six of Sage Hill’s next eight points. Shapiro, who led the Lightning with 21 points, got into the action late.

The guard hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to five points with 21.2 seconds left. The Lightning sent the Tartans to the free-throw line and Wang hit both of his attempts, while Michael Kushner made one, giving him 21 points.

With four seconds left, Shapiro knocked down another three. It was too late, as Sage Hill ran out of time. The Lightning didn’t stick around to watch the Tartans celebrate.

Academy League

St. Margaret’s 63, Sage Hill 58

SCORE BY QUARTERS

SM – M. Kushner 21, Wang 19, Moritzky 10, Marmelstein 5, Travis 4, Edwards 2, D. Kushner 2.

3-pt. goals – M. Kushner 3, Moritzky 2.

Fouled out – Travis.

Technicals – Team.

SH – Shapiro 21, Loper 18, Danner 8, Gaughan 7, Schaefer 4.

3-pt. goals – Shapiro 2, Schaefer 1.

Fouled out – Schaefer, Danner

Technicals – None.