BOYS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Kraus Gives Tustin Victory With Shot in Final Seconds

Aaron Kraus knew what to do with the ball when it came his way. He just didn’t expect to be the one making the game-winning shot.

Kraus, a 6-foot-2 senior from Tustin, was in the right place at the right time Thursday in the semifinals of the In-N-Out Burger/Converse Classic. His layup, following a missed shot and scramble beneath the basket, with five seconds remaining lifted the Tillers to a 49-47 victory over Sonora at Capistrano Valley High.

Tustin (4-0) needed an 18-9 fourth quarter to defeat Sonora (2-2) and advance into Saturday’s championship game against the winner of tonight’s other semifinal between Trabuco Hills and Santa Ana Valley.

“I was just there and the ball came right to me,” said Kraus, who scored eight of his 10 points in the final quarter. “I was surprised. I thought Doug (Gottlieb) would put it in and (Sonora’s Craig) Clark just let me go. Clark played a great game.”

Gottlieb had an off night, making only four of 18 shots from the field to finish with 15 points. He was guarded most of the night by Nathan Mirth, who kept him from getting inside. Clark, the Raiders’ 7-0 center, dominated the middle with a game-high 20 points and 16 rebounds.