Westview’s boys basketball team didn’t flinch at an early nine-point deficit Friday afternoon  in its matchup with unbeaten Mesa High. And once they rallied and took the lead late in the third period they didn’t blink when Mesa attempted a comeback.

 

Sparked by scoring binges from Kendall Barnes in the third period and Daniel Arce in the fourth, Westview dealt Mesa an 84-78 loss in first-round action at the McClintock Holiday Shootout at Doc Zinke Gym.

 

Westview improved to 6-5 on the season and takes on McClintock in the late quarterfinal Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Mesa, which won its own Jackrabbit Invitational Thanksgiving week, saw its 10-game winning streak end. Mesa plays again Saturday in the loser’s bracket at 11:30 a.m. against Saguaro.

 

Westview didn’t start strong, falling behind 16-4 in the game’s first four minutes. That was due to fast starts by Mesa guard Sumeet Khara and Darius Goodeau, who combined for 17 of the Jackrabbits’ 20 first-period points. Khara sank three 3s to ignite a 13-4 lead.

 

But Westview gradually rallied cutting the lead to 20-19 at quarter’s end. The Knights managed to lead at halftime, 33-32, as all seven players who saw time scored. It was the final four minutes of the third period that ultimately decided this one.

 

Barnes, a 6-foot-1 junior guard, keyed a 13-2 run with seven consecutive points. That run culminated with back-to-back steals near midcourt he took the distance for layups. Barnes score 10 of his game-high 24 points in the quarter.

 

Mesa was forced to play catch up the final period, something it rarely had to do in its first 10 games. Mesa pulled within 62-58 with 5:06 to play, but that was while Arce was lighting up the scoreboard.

 

Arce, who was averaging around seven points a game and had just three points in the first three quarters, scored 14 points in the final period. He tallied the Knights’ first 12 of the quarter and the lead grew to 72-62 with 2:07 left. Mesa fouled frequently the final two minutes trying to make it a one-possession game and hoping missed free throws would help. Westview shurgged that notion off, hitting 16 of 17 free throws in the fourth quarter.

 

Westview had four of its starters score in double figures led by Barnes, Dom Sesma with 23 ( three 3s in the third period and 6-of-6 free throws in the fourth), Arce and Jakarie Alexander (10).  Westview made 12 3s in the game and Mesa connected on nine. Mesa was led in scoring by Goudeau with 22, Khara and Kale Abbott with 13 apiece and David Cummard with 10.