Generals in Command : Washington Pounces on Garfield, 79-61

The gym at East Los Angeles College was surprisingly empty Friday night, considering that it was the site of the Los Angeles Invitational Tournament’s semifinal game between Garfield and Washington.

But Washington forward Dayron Harris didn’t let a poor turnout prevent him from having one of the best individual games of the tournament.

The 6-foot-4 forward scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out five assists and blocked two shots to lead the Generals into Saturday night’s final with a 79-61 victory over the Bulldogs.

“He played a solid game for us and really helped the team out on the glass (rebounding),” Coach Andy Davis said.

Harris had lots of help gathering Garfield’s missed shots. Front-court mate Stacey Thomas collected 10, in addition to scoring 11 points and grabbing three steals.

Versatile center Alex Gomez, who had 23 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals, played tall for Garfield. The lanky 6-foot-6 senior troubled Washington defenders in the post with short hook shots and from the perimeter with high-arching jump shots. “His strong play really kept us in the game,” Coach Al Madrigal said.

Garfield’s turnovers kept Washington out of reach down the stretch. Although neither team was protective of the basketball--Washington committed 25 turnovers and Garfield had 20--the Bulldogs were victimized by poor dribbling and careless passes in the fourth quarter.

“We made a lot of mental mistakes that cost us in the last quarter,” Madrigal said.

The other semifinal game between Carson and Santa Monica, which was originally scheduled to be played at 3 p.m. Friday at East Los Angeles College was moved. And apparently, that is where the crowd was too.

Washington defeated Mountain View, 57-37, and Lincoln, 61-54, in the first two rounds of the tournament before knocking off Garfield.

The Bulldogs bested Compton, 61-56, and Wilson, 76-49, before losing Friday to the Generals.

Washington was scheduled to play the winner of the Friday night Carson-Santa Monica game in the championship game. Los Angeles High was to play the loser of that game, according to organizer Jerry Weiner.

Records: Garfield 4-3; Washington 4-1