Several local schools battled in the CIF State tournament, and a few remain in contention to possibly compete in the State title game. The Chatsworth Chancellors boys basketball team got their revenge on the Westchester Comets by beating them 75-61 on Saturday.
The Chancellors will host Bakersfield Christian on March 11 at 7:00P.M. for the State Semifinals. The Comets and the Chancellors competed on February 28 in the CIF Boys City Section Open Division Championship where the Comets executed a 65-55 victory.
“We got to continuously play the right way and if we continue to do that, we’ll be successful,” said Chatsworth boys basketball head coach Sam Harris. “Our whole impetus has been defense … the energy and effort was there on defense.”
Both teams tied four times during the first quarter, ending the phase 10 all. Chatsworth implemented a zone defense that slowed Westchester down. The Chancellors landed an array of shots, from Senior Alijah Arenas making a slam dunk to sophomore Aaron Krueger making three-point shots.
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Senior Taj Unuakhalu made rebounds on both ends of the floor, he executed second-chance points and blocks.
“I have a role on this team, I’m just trying to play my role the best that I can,” Unuakhalu said. “Trying to get to the right spots, just have a lot of energy and get the boards.”
Junior Tajh Ariza was the only Comet to score in the second quarter. By the half, the Chancellors had a 38-18 lead over the Comets.
Westchester went on an 8-1 run to start the third but were unable to maintain their offensive effort. Arenas noted how the Chatsworth squad came into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder.
“We stayed disciplined, we know where our shooters were at, we stayed locked in, we stayed communicating,” Arenas said. “We’re trying to go to the State [championship.]”
Redondo Union is still in contention in the Division I State tournament and will travel to clash against Sierra Canyon on March 11 at 7:00P.M.
In the Division I Girls State tournament, both Hamilton and Westchester were unable to make it past the first round. Hamilton lost to Westview 45-42, their third loss of the season. Westchester fell to Sage Hill 34-65.
Sage Hill will battle Windward in the State Semifinals on Tuesday at 7:00P.M.
The King/Drew girls basketball team reached the second round of the Division III State tournament. They lost to Garfield 37-46 after defeating Otay Ranch 46-44. King/Drew sophomore Edareeah Combs scored 18 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals against Otay Ranch. She was one of three double-digit scorers in that matchup. Against Garfield, Combs made 15 points, six rebounds and four steals.
In the Division III boys tournament, Washington Prep reached the second round where they lost to Maranatha 71-80. Maranatha defeated Mira Mesa 77-57 in the next round and will compete against San Gabriel Academy on March 11 at 7:00P.M.
The Serra and Washington Prep girls basketball teams reached the Division IV State Tournament. Both teams struggled to get out of the first round. Serra fell to Santa Ynez 40-44 and Washington Prep lost to Chatsworth 46-45.
