Royal Gets Caught in Backcourt Triangle

OXNARD — Each of the three guards in the Channel Islands High starting lineup has a defined role. And each played his part well in a 67-50 victory over Royal in a Marmonte League boys’ basketball game Friday night at Channel Islands.

Senior Bernabe Simon is the shooter with long-range capabilities. Against the Highlanders, Simon made four of five three-point shots. He made all seven of his free throws in the fourth quarter and finished with 27 points.

Charles Merricks is the penetrating, physical guard who often guards forwards. Never shying away from contact, Merricks scored 25 points.

Junior O.J. Thomas is the ballhandler and slasher, with the ability to break down defenses and find the open player for a layup. Thomas had only two points but was a force defensively.

Even when only two of the guards are in the lineup, dealing with Channel Islands can be a nightmare.

Royal (11-7, 3-3 in league) committed 13 turnovers in the second half and never established an inside game.

“Our defensive intensity was the best I’ve seen all season,” said Channel Islands Coach Gary Abraham. “We’re one of the smallest teams in the league, so we have to make up for it in other ways.”

Even when Thomas fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, Channel Islands (13-3, 3-3) didn’t miss a beat. With Simon handling most of the point-guard chores, the Raiders made 15 of 16 free throws in the quarter and continued to stifle Royal.

Trailing by double digits since the beginning of the second half, the Highlanders pulled to within seven points twice in the fourth quarter, but lacked the perimeter firepower to make a serious run.

Ryan Nielsen was the only consistent threat for Royal, making 10 of 13 shots, including two three-pointers, and finishing with 22 points.

Nick Flanagan, Royal’s other primary scorer, was held to 10.

“We never let them get going inside,” Abraham said. “If we can’t shut that down, we’re not going to be able to win.”

Channel Islands established a patient game early, working the ball around the perimeter before Thomas, Merricks or Simon picked a spot to drive inside.

The guards would either attempt a twisting layup among Royal’s front line, which averages 6-foot-5, or pass off.

The Raiders never trailed after a Simon three-pointer made it 13-12 in the first quarter.