Near 1,000 followers packed into Sierra Canyon’s tiny gymnasium in Chatsworth on Friday night time for a basketball recreation towards Studio Metropolis Harvard-Westlake that for as soon as concerned greater than making an attempt to establish celebrities sitting courtside. Even seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry acknowledged the sport’s significance, tweeting, “The sport of the week is that this.”
With a berth within the Southern Part Open Division championship recreation at stake, the 2 groups rose to the event, enjoying with excessive vitality on protection and battling for rebounds as if each would possibly make the distinction between victory and defeat.
Brady Dunlap, a 6-foot-7 junior, delivered clutch shot after clutch shot within the fourth quarter to assist Harvard-Westlake pull out a 63-60 victory. On the finish, when Dylan Metoyer missed a possible tying three-point try on the buzzer, it was bedlam as Harvard-Westlake college students charged the court docket. Dunlap, who had 10 of his 17 factors within the fourth quarter, was so emotional afterward that he was in tears as one participant after one other hugged and congratulated him.
“It felt so good to be collectively and win as a crew,” Dunlap stated. “Feelings overcame all of us, and we’re all crying.”
One other participant coming by way of for Harvard-Westlake (24-2) was Cameron Thrower, who scored 18 factors. Jacob Huggins contributed 10 rebounds, and Landon Lewis had 11 factors.
“He’s a big-time participant,” coach David Rebibo stated of Dunlap.
Harvard-Westlake now will get to face top-seeded Corona Centennial for the Open Division championship on Friday night time at Centennial. Extremely, Harvard-Westlake has overwhelmed the Huskies 5 straight occasions.
“We all know it’s going to be a conflict,” Rebibo stated. “We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to play them.”
As a result of Sierra Canyon (24-4) had solely two crew fouls, the Trailblazers have been caught making an attempt to pressure a turnover within the last 24 seconds. Not till there have been 7.3 seconds left did Trent Perry lastly go to the road for a one-and-one. He made each free throws. Then got here Sierra Canyon’s frantic try and tie. Amari Bailey scored 21 factors for Sierra Canyon.
The primary half was tied at 10, 12, 19 and 24. 4 dunks within the second quarter, two by Bailey and two by Trentyn Flowers, ignited the Trailblazers to a 34-29 halftime lead. The rating was additionally tied at 46, 48, 54, 56. Ultimately, Harvard-Westlake confirmed sufficient poise to deal with Sierra Canyon’s full-court stress protection and Dunlap discovered a method to provide sufficient offense to take down the Trailblazers.
Within the opening video games of the Metropolis Part Open Division playoffs, defending champion Lake Balboa Birmingham, the No. 6 seed, upset No. 3 Venice 51-44. Larry Olayinka completed with 20 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks. No. 2 Fairfax defeated El Camino Actual 62-48. No. 1 Taft obtained seven three-pointers and 33 factors from Jordan Collins in a 66-60 win over Harbor Metropolis Narbonne.
Kalib LaCount made six threes and scored 35 factors as King/Drew held off Palisades 53-49. Tuesday’s semifinals can have King/Drew at Taft and Birmingham at Fairfax.
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