CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES

Abed Abusaleh’s season-long quest for a three-point basket ended in disappointment.

Abusaleh, a seldom-used guard at Harvard-Westlake High, always aimed to make a three-pointer in the late stages of blowout games. By his own account, he tried at least 15 and didn’t get a better opportunity than during Saturday’s 62-49 victory over Sacramento Grant in the Division III State final at ARCO Arena.

Abusaleh entered the game along with four other seniors with 38 seconds left.

Moments later, Alex Gelbard found Abusaleh alone on the baseline. The shot looked good but bounced off the rim.

“I guess I’ll just have to settle for the state title,” Abusaleh said. “I’ll live with that.”

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With four starters returning, Harvard-Westlake Coach Greg Hilliard was asked if the Wolverines, who did not lose a game in California this season, will consider moving up a division next season.

If it’s up to Hilliard, don’t count on it.

“We didn’t just blow through the competition,” he said. “We had a challenge.”

Harvard-Westlake defeated every team it played by double figures, although the Southern California Regional final against San Diego University went to overtime.

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Wolverine guard Leo DaCosta didn’t show any effects from a lingering ankle injury.

DaCosta, who injured his ankle in the Southern Section playoffs, was used sparingly during the State tournament but recovered to play his regular shift in the title game, scoring four points.

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Don’t expect Montclair Prep to make a third consecutive trip to the State final.

The Mounties, who started four seniors against Oakland St. Elizabeth in the Division V final, will be a small, junior-dominated team next season.

Sophomore Carlease Clark, the only starter who is not a senior, will take over for Akil Anderson at point guard.

Sophomore guard Rocky Steryo didn’t play in the Southern California final against Horizon Christian, but came off the bench to score 12 points against St. Elizabeth and figures to be the shooting guard.

Another shooter might be sophomore guard Ryan West, who didn’t play Saturday.

If genes account for anything, West should have talent. His father is NBA legend Jerry West, general manager of the Lakers.

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Montclair Prep played a difficult schedule this season but the Mounties were outdone by St. Elizabeth.

The Mustangs play in the same league as Northern California powers Oakland Bishop O’Dowd and Alameda St. Joseph, which have played in a combined five Division I State finals.