Boys’ basketball: Leonard gets career high for King
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Senior forward Kawhi Leonard put on a spectacular performance, scoring a career-high 38 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to help King, ranked No. 5 in the Southland by The Times, hold off Ocean View, 78-72, today in the Nike Extravaganza.
Leonard made two free throws with nine seconds left to extend King’s lead to four points, then blocked Mason Jones’ three-point attempt to help preserve the victory for the Wolves (20-2).
‘I just tried to come out and play my best because I knew it was a showcase,’ said Leonard, the San Diego State-bound standout who also had four steals and two blocks.
Standing within earshot of Leonard in the interview room after the game, Ocean View Coach Jim Harris said, ‘I hope he doesn’t mind me calling him a beast. He took over the game.’
Avery Johnson had 19 points for the Seahawks (19-7), who couldn’t hold a four-point halftime lead. Ocean View’s best days may be ahead. Six of its top seven players are underclassmen.
‘We’re a similar team to them, except for him,’ Harris said, referring to Leonard.
Well, yeah.
--Ben Bolch