CITY ROUNDUP : Anderson’s Hot Hand Sparks Banning Rally in Win Over Gardena

Junior forward Jabari Anderson scored 21 of his game-high 25 points in the second half Wednesday to help Banning High rally for a 55-46 victory over host Gardena in a Southern-Pacific Conference basketball game.

The 6-foot-3 Anderson also pulled down 15 rebounds as the Pilots improved to 9-6 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

Banning needed a big second half after Gardena took a 25-23 lead after two quarters. The Pilots jumped to a 7-0 advantage, but they allowed Gardena back in the game with some uninspired play.

“I thought we’d have a little better effort, but I’ll take the W,” said Banning Coach Gary Cain. “We had a great start, but then we got lethargic.”

Forward Anthony Brownlee added 11 points for the Pilots, who face Washington at 4 p.m. Friday at Banning.

Gardena (0-2 in the conference) got 24 points from junior forward Robin Kirksey.

Carson 67, Washington 53--Despite shooting just 35% from the floor, the Colts used defensive pressure and a big fourth quarter to pull away for a Southern-Pacific Conference victory at Washington.

Senior guards Bobby Kelly and Michael Ross led the way as Carson improved its record to 12-6 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Kelly had a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds, while Ross had 20 points and six steals.

Ross had eight points and three steals in the fourth quarter when Carson outscored Washington, 23-14. The Colts, who shot 27 of 77, stole the ball 13 times and converted several breakaway layups down the stretch.

Carson made 12 of 23 free-throw attempts, marking the first time the team shot over 40% from the foul line in the last five games.

Washington dropped to 1-1 in conference play.

Carson will play host to Crenshaw at 4 p.m. Friday.

Crenshaw 78, Narbonne 70--The Gauchos lost the game at the foul line as Crenshaw made 24 of 34 free throws compared to seven of 13 for Narbonne in a Southern-Pacific Conference game at Crenshaw.

“We beat them,” Narbonne Coach Bob Hoppes said. “I think the officiating could have been a lot better. Our kids have nothing to be ashamed of.”

The Gauchos led most of the game and took a 57-55 lead into the fourth quarter, when Crenshaw rallied. Forward Major Goulsby led five Narbonne players in double figures with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Point guard Gabriel Maciel had 14 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.

Narbonne dropped to 11-5 overall and 0-2 in the conference with its second straight road loss. Crenshaw is 2-0 in conference play.

Dorsey 87, San Pedro 66--The Dons used a distinct height advantage to dominate San Pedro near the basket en route to a Southern-Pacific Conference win at Dorsey.

“They’re the tallest team we’ve played,” San Pedro Coach Jack Kordich said. “They killed us on the boards. Their best play was a missed shot.”

Against a Pirate lineup whose tallest starter is 6-foot, Dorsey controlled the offensive boards while improving to 2-0 in conference play. Tony Booten, the Dons’ 6-6 center, led all scorers with 28 points.

San Pedro (8-6 overall, 0-2 in the conference) was led by guard Devon Hamilton with 18 points and forward Mike Watts with 15. The Pirates played without injured center Roger Traynham for the third straight game because of a pulled calf muscle.