Westlake Upsets Palisades, 58-56 : Warriors Hold On at the Free Throw Line to Seal Win

Westlake High walked on water Wednesday.

Literally.

The Warriors sunk (figuratively) the Palisades Dolphins, 58-56, in the second round of the Beverly Hills Invitational basketball tournament on a floor that also covers the swimming pool.

When someone feels like taking a dip at Beverly Hills, they push a button and the hardwood floor parts in the middle and disappears under the bleachers, uncovering the pool.

It is surprising that Westlake (3-1) won. Palisades is ranked fourth in Time Times’ City Section poll.

Clutch free-throw shooting by Westlake’s Greg Smith and Paul Keenan in the final minutes sealed the victory. Keenan made a free throw to put Westlake ahead, 57-54, with 45 seconds to go. After a Dolphin basket, Smith made a free throw with six seconds left, and Palisades couldn’t get a shot off. Westlake made 20 of 27 free throws.

“The whole team showed poise down the stretch,” Westlake Coach Roy Gilmore said. “Rick Welch and Dave Heckmann are playing in their first varsity games, and I’ve been impressed with the way they handle themselves.”

Welch, a 5--11 junior guard, scored eight. He also had seven assists and ran the Warriors’ offense with precision.

Heckmann, a 6--7 junior center, matched up well against the equally tall Victor Malbrough, outscoring the Palisades’ senior, 14-2.

“I wanted to prove I can play well against a good team, “ Heckmann said.

Malbrough and All-City player Derek Strong were disciplined by Coach Jerry Marvin and only played the second half. Palisades led, 29-25, at halftime, however, so their addition didn’t help.

“Strong and Malbrough showed up 45 minutes late for the game,” Marvin said, explaining why his stars didn’t start.

Crossroads 57, Camarillo 55--Senior center Mitch Parrott, who is averaging 34 points a game, scored 37 for Camarillo, but Crossroads won on two free throws by Marc Rudolph with less than one minute remaining.

Six Camarillo turnovers in the last five minutes enabled Crossroads to overcome a five-point Scorpion advantage.

Rio Mesa 54, Beverly Hills 39--Strong inside play by senior Brad Horton and sophomore Craig Wong enabled Rio Mesa (2-1) to muscle past the Normans.

Westlake will meet Rio Mesa in the semifinals Friday at 9 p.m.