Sonora Makes Its Zone Work

Using a 2-3 zone defense for the first time this season, Sonora shut out Buena Park in the first quarter and cruised to a 58-38 Freeway League boys’ basketball victory Wednesday night at Sonora.

Sonora starters Bim Okinaboya, Curtis Levine and Robert Abreu missed practice last week and did not start, prompting Coach Mike Murphy to use the zone.

The victory gives the Raiders (16-5, 4-0 in league) control of the race. Buena Park is 16-5, 3-1.

The Coyotes shot a dismal 11 for 47 from the field and 14 of 25 from the free-throw line. Standout center Matt Okoro scored only nine points, yet Buena Park managed to stay in the game for three quarters.

DeAndre Gipson, who led Buena Park with 13 points, made two free throws to cut the Sonora lead to 36-26 with 7:31 to play. But Marqui Worthy, one of the two Sonora starters allowed to start, scored eight of his 24 points during an 11-3 run over the next two minutes to help seal the victory.