High School Boys’ Basketball : Pasadena Drops Crescenta Valley

They say that true leaders come forward in times of need, so it somehow seemed appropriate that Pasadena forward Ibris Jones, well, stepped forward.

Jones, whose first name in Arabic means leader, scored 27 points as Pasadena defeated Crescenta Valley, 82-70, in a Pacific League game Friday night at Crescenta Valley.

Both Pasadena (14-2, 2-0 in league play) and Crescenta Valley (10-5, 1-1) are the only Pacific League teams with winning overall records. So, both teams were taking this early match-up as a sign of things to come.

“It’s pretty clear that the championship will be decided between the two of us,” Pasadena Coach Bill Duwe said.

Crescenta Valley led, 19-15, after the first quarter as Jones and center Chris Henson got into foul trouble. The Falcons’ John Gilmore, who finished with 13 rebounds, took control of the middle and scored 8 first-quarter points.

Pasadena took a permanent lead, 40-38, after Jones scored 11 second-quarter points. Jones added Pasadena’s first 7 points in the third quarter and finished the quarter with 9.