Boys’ basketball: Sean Fernandez scores 37 points to help North Hollywood top Grant

When it comes to playmakers and expert dribblers, North Hollywood senior guard Sean Fernandez can hold his own against anyone in the City Section.

Grant High sent one defender after another trying to stop Fernandez on Wednesday, but he still finished with 37 points to help the Huskies defeat Grant, 61-59, and take over sole possession of first place in the East Valley League.

Both schools came in with 13-game win streaks. North Hollywood (18-9, 9-0) used a box-and-one defense against high-scoring Chad Holloway in the second half, and the Lancers (15-9, 8-1) struggled figuring out what to do. They fell behind by 12 points.

Daniell Kawashima also contributed to the Huskies with 14 points.

Alex McQueen got Grant back into the game. He finished with 20 points. Holloway had 14 points.

The Lancers closed to 60-59 on a three-pointer by McQueen with 21.4 seconds left.

Fernandez made a free throw with 9.7 seconds left for a two-point North Hollywood lead.

But Holloway missed on a shot at the buzzer, and now the two teams will meet again on Monday at Grant to decide the league title.

In another league game, Poly defeated Arleta, 55-46. Angel Reinosa scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds.

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