Birmingham Rolls Past San Fernando

San Fernando High did not just fall from its pedestal atop the Northwest Valley League Thursday night; the Tigers crashed and burned like something out of “Top Gun.”

Birmingham walloped San Fernando, 88-57, in a league finale at Birmingham, spoiling San Fernando’s perfect league record while securing a tie for second place with Granada Hills.

The Braves (11-8, 7-3 in league play), winners of five consecutive games, were beaten by 21 points in an earlier meeting with the Tigers (15-5, 9-1), but they could do little wrong this time.

“Wow. The kids played a helluva game,” Birmingham Coach Elliot Turret said. “They really wanted this game.”

Birmingham led, 34-28, at halftime, then forward Jason Moore scored 13 of his 16 points in the third period as the Braves surged to a 59-43 lead.

The Tigers shot 31% from the field and committed 22 turnovers. The Braves, who made 14 of their first 15 field-goal attempts in the fourth quarter, shot 56%, including 71% in the second half.

Vince Walker and Greg Maxwell each scored 16 points for Birmingham and added 10 and 7 rebounds, respectively.

Guard Tory Stephens had 24 points and 8 rebounds for San Fernando.