Crescenta Valley Gets Warmed Up for Buena

An overflow crowd figures to pack Crescenta Valley High’s tiny gymnasium tonight for the school’s annual fund-raising game, a nonleague matchup against Buena that will feature the region’s top two girls’ basketball teams.

Almost assuredly, the Falcons could rake in a lot more cash by renting a larger facility, rather than play in a building that holds only about 900.

“But this is not about the money,” Coach Damian Scribner said Friday night after the Falcons defeated Glendale, 60-43, at Crescenta Valley in a game for first place in the Pacific League.

For Crescenta Valley (16-2, 3-0 in league play) this is about the opportunity to end three years of frustration.

Buena (13-2, ranked No. 1 in the region by The Times), has handed No. 2 Crescenta Valley painful losses each season, including a 59-55 decision in the 1997 Southern Section Division I-A final and a 70-49 nonleague rout last season in Ventura.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said 6-foot-3 center Kelly Paige, who had one of the best games in her four-year varsity career against Glendale, collecting 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Paige and 6-foot forward Danielle Myers, who scored eight points, will be particularly important against a Buena lineup that includes 6-3 freshman Courtney La Vere and 6-2 sophomore Kelly Greathouse.

“If we cannot establish the low post against Buena, it’s going to be a long night for the Falcons,” Scribner said.

There have been few long nights in the Pacific League, where the Falcons have won 35 consecutive games and three league titles. Crescenta Valley has beaten Glendale 17 consecutive times.

Sinnamonn Garrett, a junior, scored 15 points and Kris Alvero added 11 for the Falcons.

Guard Mania Houspian scored 22 points for the Dynamiters (13-5, 2-1), who made only 11 of 51 shots, including one of 10 in the fourth quarter.

Crescenta Valley made 26 of 41 free throws while Glendale was 18 for 29.