Story Created:
Mar 5, 2010 at 11:02 AM PST
Story Updated:
Mar 5, 2010 at 11:02 AM PST
Before securing the City Section Small Schools Division title, the L.A. Center for Enriched Studies High School boys basketball team seemed intent on giving their coach a few anxious moments.
A series of turnovers enabled View Park Prep to trim a seven-point lead to one in the closing seconds before the Unicorns came away with a 58-56 victory Thursday at Roybal Learning Center.
The Knights missed a couple of shots near the basket before John Moore grabbed a rebound and was fouled with 1.1 seconds left. The senior guard, who finished with 17 points, hit one of two free throws to account for the final margin.
“They gave me a little bit of a scare, but I know I can trust them at the end,” LACES coach Manasa Chanaiwa said.
The Unicorns (12-18) were seemingly in command after Dwight Selma hit a 3-pointer and Leonard Pineda (15 points) knocked down two free throws for a 57-50 lead with 2:50 remaining.
Joshua Jacobs (14 points) hit one of two free throws with 41.2 seconds left to bring View Park (15-17) to one point of LACES. Then the Unicorns turned the ball over with 17 seconds left, giving the Knights one final opportunity for victory.
View Park, which plays in the Coliseum League, led, 20-17 at the quarter and 33-29 at halftime, but LACES used a strong third period to take a 48-41 lead into the final eight minutes. The advantage grew to nine points before the Knights rallied.
“We knew this was going to be a close game,” Chanaiwa said. “We talked about having to contain their two main players and keep them off the boards. I think we did because every shot was contested.”
Sophomore guards Sheldon Wright and Brendyn Taylor were held to nine and six points, respectively. Wright did not score in the second half.
Forward Joe Fiddmont had 13 points and 13 rebounds and Robert Govan had 12 rebounds for the Knights.
RSS Feeds 
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .