Huskies Climb Past Hamilton Behind Hill

North Hollywood High called on battle-tested Robert Hill to help the Huskies beat Hamilton, 89-88, in overtime Friday night at Venice High and push North Hollywood into the City Section 3-A Division championship game for the second consecutive year.

Hill, one of only two returning starters from last year’s championship team, didn’t disappoint.

The 6-foot-1 junior guard scored a game-high 30 points to help send the Huskies (15-11) to the Sports Arena where they have drawn the unenviable task of facing Fremont, the state’s top-rated team.

Hamilton (16-9) forced North Hollywood into a running game, and the Huskies responded like they knew what to expect.

“It was a hard game,” Hill said. “They play a real up-tempo style, the kind we’re not used to playing in the Valley.”

Hamilton’s Jevon Shields tied the score, 78-78, with 33 seconds left in regulation on a layup off a baseline drive. Hill’s three-point attempt fell short and the ball went out of bounds with one second left. When Hamilton’s Marc Weiss inbounded the ball under North Hollywood’s basket, the ball hit the roof, giving the Huskies possession.

Doc Hazzard inbounded the ball to Fernando Orozco, who swished the three-point shot at the buzzer, but the referee ruled the shot no good.

In overtime, North Hollywood built an 85-78 lead with 1:09 remaining on four points from Hazzard, who finished with 17, and three from Hill.

Three Hamilton free throws and a field goal narrowed North Hollywood’s lead to 85-83. Orozco then hit a pair of free throws with 30 seconds left to give the Huskies a four-point lead.

Hill and Hamilton’s Dorian Dan got into a quick shoving match when Hill pulled down a defensive rebound and was fouled. Both were ejected with 21 seconds left.

After the technical foul shots, North Hollywood led, 89-85, but Shields hit a three-point basket with 11 seconds left to account for the final score.

Eric Jackson added 13 points and 15 rebounds for North Hollywood.