BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Mohicans Score an Upset as 4 Generals Go AWOL

Gardena guard Alex Boulden scored seven points to lead the Mohicans to a surprising 39-36 victory Friday over Washington as four of the Generals’ starters--including Division I prospects Dayron Harris and guard Gregory Gales--did not attend the Southern Pacific Conference opener at Washington.

Gardena led 37-36 when guard Alex Boulden was fouled with 13 seconds left to play. Boulden made two free throws to give the Mohicans a three-point lead.

Washington’s Rahman Sparks missed a three-point shot with four seconds left that would have sent the game into overtime.

General forward Antonio Lewis led all scorers with 13 points.

Robert Lamar and Patrick Blake were the other players not to suit up for Washington.

Harris, who was reached by phone, said the four did not play because of academic obligations. “It was not about discipline,” he said. “We had something important to do. We had to fill out papers for college because it’s getting close to the (enrollment) deadline. The Gardena game was not important. We thought we would win anyway. We were at the game later on.”

“They had something else to do,” said Washington Co-Coach Dave Johnson. “College paperwork was one thing. I don’t want to talk about it.” Johnson he would not say if the players would return for Wednesday’s game at San Pedro.