NPHS opts to forgo boys' playoffs

Newbury Park High assistant principal Richard Urias and head varsity basketball coach Steve Johnson decided not to apply for an atlarge berth into the CIFSouthern Section boys' basketball postseason, Urias said Tuesday.

The Panthers finished their season with an 8-18 overall record and a 5-9 mark in the Marmonte League, good for fifth place.

Westlake and Moorpark, both of whom finished two games behind Newbury Park in the league standings, earned at-large bids.

"We won eight games all year and had a couple of behavior issues," Urias said.

"Because everyone can go (to the playoffs) doesn't necessarily mean we deserve to go."

Urias said the school did not miss a paperwork deadline with the CIF-SS, and pointed out that the Panther girls' soccer team earned an at-large playoff bid.

"We acted purposely," he said in regards to the hoops squad.

Urias said there had been multiple cases of disciplinary action following team bus rides during the year.

Johnson e-mailed a letter to team parents Tuesday morning explaining the decision.