BOYS’ ROUNDUP

Gardena Serra 69, Verdum Dei 53--The Cavaliers (20-6) pulled away early and were never challenged in the Southern Section IV-A game at El Camino College.

Akeli Jackson scored 20 points and Roderick Swith added 13 for Serra, which raced to an 18-6 lead in the first five minutes.

Verbum Dei finished 22-5.

Cypress Brethren Christian 44, Palos Verdes Chadwick 43--Scott Thomas sank a layup with 13 seconds to play to give the Warriors (22-8) the Southern Section V-AA title at Cypress College.

It was the second consecutive game in which Brethren came from four points behind in the last minute and the second game in a row in which Thomas made the winning shot. Thomas finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Joe Giaconi led Chadwick (21-8) with 18 points, all in the second half. Chadwick missed three free throws in the last minute to give Brethren life.