Cruz Mertens found his shooting touch and scored 13 points to help Dos Pueblos defeat visiting Norwalk 57-33 in a CIF Division 2A boys basketball playoff game on Friday night at Sovine Gym.
Mertens, who?s been hobbled by an ankle injury, hit two of his three 3-pointers and scored eight points in the first half, leading the Chargers to a 31-16 halftime lead.
Dos Pueblos guard Chris Williams drives inside on the Norwalk defense during the third quarter. (James Crosby photo)
Gerry Perez also played a big role in the first half, burning Norwalk for nine of his 12 points.
DP coach Joe Zamora credited the defense of guards Perez and Chris Williams for disrupting Norwalk’s offense
“Gerry and Chris really extended the defense and forced Norwalk’s guards into a lot of turnovers,” said Zamora.
The Chargers did a good job protecting the ball, committing just 11 turnovers.
Dos Pueblos also was nails from the free-throw line, making 11 of 12.
Zach Shugart led DP with 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Chargers will be home for a second-round game against Elisnore on Tuesday.
