Grant Takes Down North Hollywood’s Number at 51

North Hollywood High’s streak is over. Grant’s celebration probably isn’t.

The Lancers pulled off a stunning 65-45 victory over North Hollywood in a Valley Pac-8 Conference girls’ basketball game Wednesday at Grant, ending the Huskies’ winning streak in the conference at 51 games.

North Hollywood had not lost in conference play since the 1992-93 season.

Nakeisha Perkins, a senior center who also runs track for the Lancers, repeatedly pivoted around North Hollywood defenders near the basket and collected 20 points and 23 rebounds while helping Grant (16-3, 5-0) take a giant step toward dethroning the Huskies (18-2, 4-1). The Lancers lead the Mid-Valley League by a game.

“Oh, this is my moment, right now,” Perkins said. “This was what I’ve been talking about to my teammates all year, that we could do this, and I’m glad we were able to step up and meet the challenge. We were two good teams, going toe-to-toe.”

But Perkins kept stepping on the Huskies’ toes, beating them under both baskets while making 10 of 18 shots, including her last eight.

“We weren’t going to let No. 52 happen,” said Grant Coach Steve Brumwell, whose teams had never beaten North Hollywood in his five years at the Lancers’ helm.

Grant’s victory touched off an emotional celebration, and, as she was during the game, Perkins was right in the middle of things. She was engulfed by teammates, coaches and fans in a group hug under one basket after Angela Terry, who had 16 points and six rebounds, drove the baseline for the Lancers’ final points.

Perkins stepped up her game in the second half, scoring 12 points in the third quarter when Grant overcame a 32-26 halftime deficit, and gained confidence and momentum with each change of possession.

There were plenty of those, thanks to a fast-paced, full-court game that contributed to 42 turnovers, 26 by North Hollywood.

The Huskies committed 10 turnovers in the third quarter, and Perkins and Grant took full advantage.

With the Lancers trailing, 36-31, with 4:27 to play in the quarter, Perkins scored six consecutive points and 12 during a 14-2 run that put Grant ahead, 45-38.

Grant took a 50-39 lead into the fourth quarter, scored six of the first eight points of the quarter and limited North Hollywood to a basket and two free throws in the final 3 1/2 minutes.