Third Quarter Propels Pomona Past Kearny

Throw out the third quarter and this was a heck of a game. With it, however, Pomona High routed Kearny High, 72-52, in a Southern California Regional Division III semifinal in Pomona.

“The third quarter killed us,� Kearny Coach Bill Peterson understated. “Other than that it’s a six-point ballgame.�

After leading by four, 31-27, at halftime, Pomona outscored Kearny, 23-9, in the third quarter to advance to Saturday’s championship at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

“We just got manhandled,� Peterson said. “We played with these guys in the first half.�

Johnny McWilliams, a 6-foot-6 standout who has signed a letter of intent to play football at USD, had a game-high 22 points for Pomona (24-6).

Kearny had four players in double figure scoring--Demetruis Brown (12), Darnay Scott (11), Damion Victor (10) and Ali Nayab (10)--but was hurt at the free-throw line, making only five of 17. The Komets finished 24-7.