Cleveland’s Davis Has Look of Winner

Watch out, Trevor Wilson. Step aside, Lucious Harris. Take a seat, Adonis Jordan. Cleveland High has come up with another basketball standout to continue its winning tradition.

Anthony Davis, a 6-foot-5 junior transfer from Locke, had 36 points with four dunks and 11 rebounds Friday night to help the Cavaliers defeat Canoga Park, 81-66, in a semifinal game of the Beverly Hills tournament at Beverly Hills High.

Cleveland (6-3) will play Palisades (8-1) in tonight’s 7:30 final.

Asked if Davis is as good as some of the great Cavalier players from the past, Coach James Morris said, “That depends on him. The talent is there. He just has to put it together.”

Davis is a versatile player who doesn’t rely solely on his shooting skills. He rebounds, runs the court and, most importantly, plays post defense.

“I like to play defense because I want to be an all-around player,” he said.

His defense in the second half on 6-6 Jammie Harris of Canoga Park keyed Cleveland’s comeback from a 12-point deficit in the second quarter. Also contributing was Quenton Harvey, who scored 17 points.

Canoga Park (4-4) had three starters foul out and trailed only 64-59 with 4:35 left. But Tony Moore was called for a foul, then a technical, and Cleveland made four consecutive free throws.

Cecil Brown led Canoga Park with 25 points, including five three-pointers. Harris added 18 points.

Davis made one play in the first half that left many in awe. He made a steal near the basket, dribbled behind his back to avoid a Canoga Park defender, continued dribbling the length of the court before scoring on a layup. For somebody who plays center, it was an impressive display of overall skills.

“If I apply myself, I can do anything,” Davis said.

In defeat, Canoga Park showed again that it no longer intends to be a punching bag after struggling the past two seasons.

The Hunters have already equaled their win total of last season. They continue to have difficulty beating quality teams, but they are getting closer while their young guards gain experience.

Palisades 64, Campbell Hall 55--Once 6-8 center Jesse Foster fouled out with 6:56 left and his team down by nine points, it was all over for the Vikings (3-2). Greg Drobnick scored 18 points and Foster added 14 points for Campbell Hall.

Birmingham 65, Hart 61--Nick Halic scored 18 points, Tatian Haig had 16 points and Aaron Burgin added 15 to help the Braves (2-1) advance to today’s 3 p.m. consolation final against Canyon. Liam Waters led Hart (1-2) with 23 points.