This Attack Mounted by Wolverines

STUDIO CITY — The Chaminade High boys’ basketball team wore warm-up shirts that read: “Together We Attack.”

But against Harvard-Westlake, the Eagles retreated Friday night in a Mission League game at Harvard-Westlake.

In losing to the defending state Division III champions, 78-40, the Eagles got only 14 points from its three front-line starters, and three players fouled out.

Of course, Harvard-Westlake (20-1, 5-0 in league), with 6-foot-10 twins Jason and Jarron Collins leading the way, will probably dismantle every league team the rest of the season.

Chaminade (12-4, 3-1) just happened to be the latest.

“Our game plan is to move the ball in the halfcourt, be patient and take what they give you,” Chaminade Coach Jeff Brown said. “Unfortunately, Harvard doesn’t give you anything.”

The Wolverines capitalized on 25 Eagle turnovers, many leading to easy baskets by forward Rico Cabrera, who finished with 25 points.

“We knew they wanted us and that got us fired up,” Cabrera said. “We were looking for a challenge, but I guess our defense outplayed them.”

With the score tied, 8-8, the Wolverines went on a 14-2 run in the first quarter to take a 22-10 lead.

Cabrera had eight points in the run, and Ryan Smiley scored the first four. Smiley finished with 14 points, five assists and four steals.

Harvard-Westlake outscored Chaminade in the second quarter, 22-9. But the Eagles were probably doomed from the start. Their three tallest players stood 6-5, roughly the same height as Cabrera and Smiley, Harvard-Westlake’s little guys.

Jason Collins had 21 points for the Wolverines. Brett Brownson led the Eagles with 12.