Canoga Park Is Coping, but Barely

The second game without David Redmond was easier than the first for Canoga Park High, but not by much.

The Hunters nearly lost a 16-point fourth-quarter lead before asserting themselves in the East Valley League boys’ basketball race with a 79-69 victory over Monroe on Friday night at Canoga Park.

On Wednesday, in the first game without the academically ineligible Redmond, a 6-foot-8 center who was averaging 19.2 points, 13.5 rebounds and 5.7 blocked shots, Canoga Park lost to North Hollywood, 74-63. Carloes Harper scored 38 points but was the only Hunter in double figures.

Against the Vikings, Harper scored 26 but had plenty of help. Five players scored at least 10 points and gave Harper, who also had 17 rebounds, more options on offense.

Without Redmond, Canoga Park (13-10, 5-3 and tied for first in the league) is smaller and quicker, and able to extend a full-court pressure that led to a 63-47 lead in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

But the Hunters missed presence inside, and the Vikings pulled within 69-65 with two minutes to play.

Monroe (7-14, 4-4) could have cut the lead further but center John Ennis missed a short turnaround jumper, Harper grabbed the rebound and Jeff Turner made a layup with 1:30 to play give Canoga Park a six-point bulge.

“The guys have to learn to keep up with their defense,” Canoga Park Coach Ralph Turner said. “Before, David would be there to block the shot. But he won’t be there anymore.”

Canoga Park had trouble defending forward Mark Cumbess, who worked his way inside for 31 points, including 15 of Monroe’s 17 third-quarter points. Ennis finished with 14 points.

Turner and Quantee Stansbury, a 6-foot guard who replaced Redmond in the lineup, each scored 12 points, and Pat Farzaneh and Charles Harper each added 10.