Boys’ basketball: Gardena Serra clinging to lead

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Gardena Serra is having trouble putting away Compton Centennial in the 3A final at the Honda Center. The Cavaliers had a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but Centennial has closed to within 46-44 going into the fourth quarter.

Serra opened a 39-30 lead on consecutive baskets by guard Craig Carter and after a thunderous dunk by Cal State Northridge-bound Jordan Mitchell.

But Centennial rallied behind Kevin Smith, who contributed a three-point play. Then the lead was back up to 10 points, and the Apaches rallied again. Thomas Hammock’s three-pointer cut Centennial’s deficit to 44-40. Then Deonte Burton scored and it was 44-42.

This might be the best game of the whole day at the Honda Center.

-- Eric Sondheimer