Galena boys hoops wins in tournament

Staff Reports

The Galena High boys basketball team made it interesting, but pulled out a win in the first round of the Santa Cruz Tournament near Tucson, Ariz.

Justin Houk made the second of two free throws with five seconds left to give the Grizzlies a 47-46 win over Amphi, Ariz. on Friday. "They're pretty solid," said Galena coach Tom Maurer about Amphi (7-3).

Galena (7-5) led by seven points with two minutes left, but Amphi tied the game with 30 seconds left. Houk then went up for a layup and was fouled. After missing the first foul shot, he made the second for the win.

The game was tied 26-26 at halftime before Galena took a 37-33 lead after three quarters.

Derek Lorenzen was held under 20 points for the first time this season, but still scored 16 points. "They knew what to do with him," Maurer said. "They had his number."

But Lorenzen hit three three-pointers and was 3-of-3 from the line. "He had a great game," Maurer said.

Bobby Contreras, who scored 12 points, also had an outstanding game, Maurer said.

Galena advanced to today's sweet 16 of the tournament, which features some of the nation's top teams. "This is the big-time teams now," Maurer said.