Mission Prep’s season comes to an end as last-second 3-pointer turns lead into a loss

After a strong first quarter, Mission Prep saw its season and state playoff run come to an end Saturday when Culver City hit a game-winning three pointer with seven seconds left.

The No. 11 Royals were unable to answer as the clock wound down and fell 52-50 to the No. 2 Centaurs, who advanced to the championship game of the Division 3 state playoffs.

“We had a tough time in the second half,” Head Coach Terrance Harris said. “Had a little bit of a tough time with turnovers and gave them a few too many extra opportunities.”

Things started out great for the Royals, who jumped out to a 17-9 first quarter lead.

But as the game wore on, the team’s scoring declined each quarter, and the Centaurs eventually took the lead in the last minute of play.

“I thought our guys played really well and held them to 52 points,” Harris said. “Honestly we didn’t make that many mistakes defensively. They made a lot of plays as opposed to us making making mistakes defensively.”

After the Centaurs drained a three to turn a one-point deficit into a two-point lead, senior Jamar Howard made one last attempt to drive to the hoop and tie the game but was unable to convert.

In a scary moment, he was also injured on the play when he collided with the baseline wall. He left the game with paramedics but was alert and able to move his extremities.

“(Jamar) is as good of a player as we’ve had come through this program,” Harris said. “More than that, he’s just such a joyful kid and such a competitor. ... He’s grown along the way. It’s been great to watch him grow.

“He’s a special talent, and the best is yet to come for him.”

Howard scored 26 points for the Royals, while sophomore Roman Benedetti added 11.

“Words can’t explain how proud I am of this group. I told these young men that as a head coach this is the furthest in the state tournament I believe that I’ve made it,” Harris said. “This group will always have a very special place in my heart. This was as competitive of a group as I’ve coached.”

The Royals end the season 23-10 overall and with a second-place Mountain League finish.