Girls’ basketball: Santa Monica wins Inglewood City of Champions tourney

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Santa Monica, ranked No. 5 in the Southland by The Times, defeated Gardena Serra, 62-57, in overtime on Saturday during the Inglewood City of Champions title game.

All five of Santa Monica’s starters played the fourth quarter with four fouls. Bianka Balthazar, a 5-foot-11 senior, fouled out with 19 points. She was named tournament MVP.

Moriah Faulk of Santa Monica (5-0) led all scorers with 23 points, and went six-for-six from the free throw line in overtime. Bria Richardson and Simone Thompson had 15 points apiece for Serra (4-1).

‘Give Serra credit because they were really tough,’ said Santa Monica Coach Marty Verdugo.

--Melissa Rohlin