Berkeley uses big fourth quarter to beat the Mustangs
San Jose – Matt Simpkins had the big numbers but it was the Berkeley backcourt that was the difference.
The Yellowjackets’ fastbreak stung Gilroy repeatedly and a big fourth quarter carried Berkeley to a 74-65 win Thursday in the first round of the West Coast Classic at Valley Christian High School.
The Mustangs face McClymonds, a 57-39 loser to Foothill, at 3:30pm today.
Simpkins had 31 points, nine points and three blocks in his Berkeley debut. He consistently led the fastbreak, getting seven dunks. Duane “DJ” Bagsby was the only other Yellowjacket in double figures with 13 points. The junior guard teamed with Brian “BJ” Guinn and reserves Mark Samuels and Brandon Senigar to effectively penetrate against the Mustangs (4-2).
“I was happy with our overall play and hustle,” GHS coach Bud Ogden said, “but the mental errors cost us. We kept letting (Simpkins) leak out (on the break) and we didn’t adjust. Those cherry-pick points when we didn’t get back ended up costing us the game.”
Berkeley (2-1) threatened to blow the game open early. Midway through the second quarter, the Yellowjackets were ahead 31-19. But Jason Conrad and Marshad Johnson combine for 10 straight points and Lorenzo Dobson finished the run with two free throws 21 seconds before halftime for a 31-all tie. Simpkins converted a three-point play with one-tenth of a second left.
On three occasions in the third quarter, Gilroy led by two points. But Simpkins had 12 points during a 26-18 fourth quarter that was the difference.
“Our guards were phenomenal,” Berkeley coach Brian Guinn said. “I was pleased with the way we played. We knew Gilroy would get putbacks and that the guards are quick.”
The Mustangs controlled the boards 47-31. They shot well from the foul line, making 24-of-28 led by Kameron Handy, who was a perfect 8-of-8 en route to a team-high 21 points. Conrad had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Johnson added 12 points and nine rebounds.
“Shawdy (Johnson) was great off the bench,” Ogden said. “The energy he provided I hope we get from others. Jason was excellent for the second game in a row.”
Guards Handy and Javin Charlot did a good job handling the Yellowjackets’ pressure defense.
“Their guards are good at penetrating and dishing the ball off,” Conrad said of Berkeley. “They’re a good team and Simpkins hurt us on the fastbreak.”
Gilroy (65)-Handy 21, Ford 6, Charlot 7, Jones 0, Conrad 14, Martinez 0, Johnson 12, Jensen 0, Dobson 5. Totals 19 24-28 65.
Berkeley (74)-Bagsby 13, Shapiro 0, Guinn 8, Simpkins 31, Blackmon 4, Ford 4, Samuels 5, Pittman 2, Owens 2, Senigar 5. Totals 32 6-11 74.
Gilroy 11 20 16 18 – 65
Berkeley 15 19 14 26 – 74
3-point goals: Gil, Handy 3. Berk, Bagsby 2, Samuels, Senigar.
