North Overcomes Williams, South

Former Crenshaw High School star John Williams had 28 points and 11 rebounds, both game highs, but it wasn’t enough as the North beat the previously unbeaten South, 81-77, Wednesday to claim the gold medal.

For the North, Danny Manning of Kansas led the way, scoring 19 points.

South Coach Dave Whitney lauded Williams’ efforts.

“John Williams is Triple A, on and off the court,” Whitney said of Williams, who was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Williams hit 11 of 19 shots from the floor.

In the third-place game, the East made its first 17 shots, en route to a 57-40 halftime lead and a 97-91 win over the West.

“Man, I looked up and we were down by 26,” said Chris Sandle, formerly of Long Beach Poly, who scored a game-high 27 points.