Rio Mesa’s Joseph Soto carried the Spartans past Dos Pueblos 53-50 on Tuesday, scoring 30 of his team’s 53 in the Ventura Kiwanis Tournament game.
Soto poured in 24 points in the first half and drained two clutch free throws with 10 seconds left in the game to keep Rio Mesa in the lead.
“He was the difference,” said Chargers head coach Joe Zamora.
Dos Pueblos had one last chance to send it to overtime but a 3-point attempt by Mansai Conner came up short.
Jay Larinan led the Chargers with 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Robert Cid recorded 11 points, Isaac Gomez 10 and Conner finished with nine.
