HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

St. Bernard 67, Oak Park 59--Standout guard Shawn Williams fouled out with 2:35 to play and the Eagles were eliminated from the Division IV-AA playoffs at El Segundo High.

Williams, an All-Ventura County player, scored 18 points.

The Eagles (14-11) trailed at halftime, 43-35, then switched to a zone defense in the second half and were able to pull to within 50-48 at the end of the third quarter.

“We started it as a change of pace and we stayed with it because it was successful,” Oak Park Coach Rob Hall said.

There was a huge disparity in free throws. The Vikings (16-11) hit 22 of 32 and Oak Park converted four of five.

St. Bernard guard Michael Johnson scored 22 points.

Oak Park hit seven three-point shots, including three by sophomore reserve Randy Gaftwirt, who finished with 13 points.

“If Oak Park had had two more minutes, maybe even less, they probably would have won,” St. Bernard Coach Jim McClune said. “We can get a lead and lose a lead better than any team I’ve seen.”

Oak Park committed 18 turnovers and St. Bernard 16. The Vikings generated four after Williams’ departure, all leading to baskets.