High School Hoops: A Season of Surprises and Comebacks

The high school basketball scene is heating up, with teams showing off their skills and determination. The Lions, who won last year's Southern Section title, are making a strong statement this season with a 10-1 record. They're aiming to defend their Open Division championship, and so far, they're looking like a force to be reckoned with. In a thrilling tournament game, San Pedro showcased their talent by taking control in the second half and defeating Granada Hills. It was a display of strategy and teamwork that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, some students are using their platform to make a difference. Mason Cohen from Windward, along with Jake Yoon and Dylan Fullmer from Harvard-Westlake, have been raising funds to help rebuild the Pacific Palisades community. Their initiative, \"Build Back Pali, \" is a testament to the power of youth and community spirit.The basketball courts are seeing some intense matchups. Corona del Mar pulled off a nail-biting 78-77 victory over Los Alamitos, thanks to Nolan Scott's last-second score and Maxwell Scott's impressive 35 points. The Los Alamitos Griffins, with an 8-6 record, are on the rise and have a big league showdown coming up against Corona del Mar. The top 25 high school boys' basketball teams in the Southland are being closely watched this week. However, there's a noticeable shift in the landscape. The exodus of talent from LAUSD schools has left the City Section without the powerhouse programs it once had. It's not just basketball that's making waves. The Cavaliers, led by Anderson Carranza, are taking on El Camino Real in their West Valley League soccer opener. And in another close game, Harvard-Westlake secured a 50-46 victory over Rolling Hills Prep, thanks to Joe Sterling's four consecutive free throws in the final 21 seconds.