Smith pours in 31 points to propel Foothill to win

Nick Christensen

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 | 9:17 a.m.

Two of Las Vegas' top boys' basketball teams came together for their final non-league tuneup Tuesday, and turned out an exciting game that displayed contrasting styles. Foothill defeated Palo Verde 68-62 after fending off a late run by the Panthers.

Palo Verde came to the court with a strong inside presence, including 6-foot-7 junior center Brian Marks, but without point guard Jarrell Harrison, who was injured.

Foothill showcased its guard play, particularly Jamaal Smith and Chris Crunk. Smith had 31 points, and Crunk added 10 points and four assists.

The Falcons also used a blast from the past to frustrate Palo Verde's offense. The amoeba zone was sighted frequently, particularly in the first half of the game.

Amoeba defense?

"Yeah, we have Coach Starr on our bench," Falcons coach Kevin Soares said, referring to former UNLV assistant Keith Starr. "We've put it in."

But it was more than a famously successful zone defense that propelled Foothill against Palo Verde. Palo Verde, led by laid-back coach Phil Clarke, played a slower, more methodical game. Soares' Falcons played an up-tempo style with a high-octane coach. While Soares was shouting plays and pleading with officials, Clarke sat patiently and let the game come to his team.

Which is exactly what happened. After Foothill opened a 60-49 lead with 5:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, Palo Verde went on a 13-0 run to take a 62-60 lead with 1:07 left to play.

"I challenged them," Clarke said. "We were on such a nice run, we expect to win every game."

Foothill recaptured the lead -- and the momentum -- when Palo Verde's Josh Steffen fouled the Falcons' Smith on a successful 3-point try with a little less than a minute to play. Palo Verde would not score again, but the last minute did bring its coach to his feet for the remainder of the game.

"I think as I got older, I calmed down and just started watching the game... I wanted to enjoy it." Clarke said. He added it's important to him to set an example for his players to keep levelheaded during the game.

"I try to keep it under control, and not panic," he said.

Soares' enthusiasm is just as stated as Clarke's calm.

"We kind of panicked" during Palo Verde's run, Soares said. "The kids did a better job handling and passing. They did a good job responding to the pressure."

Smith, in particular, guided the Falcons down the stretch. He scored Palo Verde's final eight points, and recorded 31 on the night on top of two rebounds and two steals. Smith played all but 13 seconds of the final quarter with four fouls.

Smith was able to take advantage of the absence of Palo Verde's Harrison, who sat out with a sprained ankle.

"They were without their point guard, and we tried to push the tempo," Soares said.