Going up against an opponent loaded with talent, size and athleticism, the Palisades High boys basketball team was exactly where it wanted to be at halftime of Saturday afternoon’s SoCal Christmas Classic game against Price: within striking distance.
Led by Joseph Robinson, the Dolphins trailed by seven points and were successful in slowing Price’s transition and limiting it to one shot. Unfortunately, Price also possesses as potent post-up game.
However, the host Knights crashed the backboards in the third quarter, leading to easy fast-break baskets and five dunks en route to a 72-55 victory in Los Angeles. Semifinalists last year in the Southern Section Division 4A playoffs, the Knights improved to 10-1 and moved into the regional final against Bishop Montgomery.
“I thought the guys we brought in off the bench late in the game did very well,” Pali High Coach Vejas Anaya said. “They only got nine points in the second quarter.”
James Washington led Price with 26 points, including six three-pointers, while Robinson finished with 15 points, Shane Williams had 14, Shomari Dunham had 10 and Will Johnson chipped in seven for the Dolphins, who rebounded to beat South Pasadena 70-51 Saturday evening to take third place in the South Region.
Chris Kurihara‘s hot outside shooting sparked the win against the Tigers. The sophomore guard scored a game-high 18 points, including five three-pointers. Robinson had 13 points, Willliams had 11 and and Dunham and Monroe Gorden each had 10 as the Dolphins (8-4) outscored South Pasadena 21-6 in the fourth quarter.
Palisades led 35-30 at halftime and 49-45 after three quarters, a little too close for comfort for Anaya, but the Dolphins seized control with a 7-0 to open the fourth quarter.
“Maybe we were still in the Christmas spirit because we gave them the gift of hope with all those turnovers in the first half,” Anaya said. “We battened down the hatches after that.”
With regional play now complete the tournament venue switches to La Salle High in Pasadena, where the Dolphins will play reigning City Section Division I champion El Camino Real. The Conquistadores finished third in the West Region.
— Steve Galluzzo
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
