INLAND FIELDHOUSE

I shot play-by-play streaming video of the Redlands East Valley-Rialto Eisenhower boys basketball game for HSGameTime.com on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, and came away thinking Eisenhower was probably more dominant than it should have been.

As it was, the Eagles (14-7 overall, 7-0 Citrus Belt League) forced the pace in the second half and ran REV out of the gym. Senior guard Bernard Ireland (6-foot-3, 175 pounds) was on fire from the field, and scored a game-high 33 points. Senior guard Keyon Sales (6-2, 170) was just as fiery, pouring in 14 of his 21 points in the second half as Ike expanded what had been just a five-point halftime.

If REV (19-5, 5-2) had its best guard, its best perimeter player… maybe the score would’ve been a little closer than 90-72 final indicated. But probably not much.

Turns out, REV’s best, senior guard Terrell Todd (5-11, 175), had been suspended for violating school rules on Tuesday. No word yet as to what earned a five-day ban. Additionally, he will not be eligible to play again until Feb. 8 when the Wildcats play at Yucaipa.

His presence and out put (21.4 ppg, 4.1 apg) were sorely missed. Senior center Paulin Mpawe (6-9, 190) did his best to dominate the game from the low block, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. It wasn’t enough, though, and Ike’s defense was to credit. The Eagles cut off passing lanes and were far more active in forcing the ball out of Mpawe’s hands in the second half. With Mpawe’s opportunities limited, the game was forced into the hands of REV’s lesser players. The final score is a testament to that group’s lack of success.

Mpawe showed a soft touch around the rim but lacked aggressiveness on both ends. He didn’t throw down one dunk or throw his weight around at all, really. He was at least three inches taller than everyone else on the floor and he played sort of small. One over-riding plus is his solid face-to-the-basket game. It should serve him well at the next level.

PHOTO COURTESY: KURT MILLER / THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE