Charlie Adams, a sophomore guard at Cleveland High, could have a future as a coach as he recognized a weakness in Birmingham’s defense Friday night and settled for an 81-70 victory that clinched the Cavaliers first place in the West Valley League.
Cleveland held a 37-35 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Adams saw that Birmingham wasn’t stopping him from driving up the middle for a layup.
“I kept going,” he said. “Don’t stop what works.”
Charlie Adams had 12 points — all layups — in the third quarter to lead Cleveland to an 81-70 win over Birmingham.
(Craig Weston)
He made six layups in the quarter and finished with 20 points. It was a team effort from Cleveland (13-8, 4-0) that showed how difficult it will be to beat the Cavaliers in the Open Division playoffs when they are unselfish and get more players involved. Sergine Deme, a 6-foot-8 center, came alive with his rebounding in the second half and finished with 18 points. TJ Wansa had 16 points and Harout Posheyan added 12 points.
“We executed the game plan — play together,” Cleveland coach Dagem Asfaw said.
Birmingham (13-5, 3-1) got productive games from X’zavion McKay, who scored 25 points, and Tekeio Phillips, who had 21 points.
Harvey Kitani is surrounded by his players after picking up his 1,000th career victory over Bishop Gorman on Friday night at Mater Dei at Rolling Hills Prep.
(Nick Goat)
Preparation for Rolling Hills 60, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman 45: Harvey Kitani earned his 1,000th career coaching win, joining Mater Dei’s Gary McKnight and Damien’s Mike LeDuc in an exclusive club as the only coaches in California history to surpass the mark. Kitani spent 35 years coaching in Fairfax before moving to Rolling Hills Prep. Nick Welch Jr. scored 15 points and had 17 rebounds.
Chatsworth 72, Taft 58: Aaron Krueger finished with 31 points in the West Valley League win.
Fairfax 67, University 28: Kentrayl Roberson scored 20 points for Fairfax.
Washington Prep 100, Crenshaw 53: Jayshawn Kibble scored 38 points and Bricyn Coleman had 30 points for Washington Prep.
Orange Lutheran 94, Los Altos 57: Josh King scored 27 points and Noah Zeola added 21 points for the Lancers.
Calabasas 58, Westlake 48: Cayde Rooke led Calabasas with 13 points.
Thousand Oaks 55, Oaks Christian 52: The Lancers pulled out the Marmonte League win in overtime.
Saint Bernard 64, Saint Monica 56: JOrdan Ballard had 25 points and Brandon Granger had 23 points in the Del Rey League win.
Chaminade 83, Bishop of Alemany 82: Temi Olafisoye led the Eagles with 20 points.
Moorpark 90, Simi Valley 71: Logan Stotts, who returned from injury, scored 30 points for Moorpark.
West Ranch 70, Canyon Country Canyon 67: Isaac Yuhico had 24 points for Canyon.
La Habra 70, Cypress 67: The Highlanders improved to 20-6 and 5-1 in league play.
Redondo Union 92, Wiseburn Da Vinci 26: Chace Holley led a balanced attack with 19 points.
Junction 80, lookout 50: Evan Willis scored 20 points and Shalen Sheppard had 18 for Crossroads.
Campbell Hall 60, Windward 57: Chris Paul II had 21 points and Ean Britt had 15 points and eight rebounds in a Gold Coast League upset.
Girls basketball
Birmingham 79, Cleveland 52: Belinda Hernandez had 21 points for the Patriots (19-3, 3-0).
Mater Dei 68, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman 64: The Monarchs improved to 20-4.
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