Prep Basketball BOYS

Royal 52, Thousand Oaks 47 Despite playing without three players--two of them starters--who were suspended for curfew violations at a recent tournament, host Royal High boosted its Marmonte League record to 3-0 with a 52-47 victory over Thousand Oaks.

The Highlanders, 7-6 overall, were led by John Gorecki and Brent Tapia with 14 points each. Gorecki, a 6-4 senior, also led the team with seven rebounds.

The Lancers closed to within two at 43-41 with three minutes remaining, but were forced to foul.

That left the Highlanders to put the game away, sinking seven of their final 10 free-throw attempts.

Thousand Oaks, 1-2 in league and 4-10 overall, was led by Dan Birg with 18 points. The 6-3 senior was 50% from the floor, hitting eight of 16 and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Tom Neumayr followed with 12 points and five rebounds for the Lancers’ effort.