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.