Cleveland Proves Its Worth, 60-47
Adam Levitt, coach of the Cleveland High boys’ basketball team, was livid when he left the City Section playoffs seeding meeting last week.
Despite going undefeated in the Northwest Valley Conference and winning 16 of its last 17 games, Cleveland was seeded No. 9 in the 16-team City Championship playoffs. That meant a tougher draw and a first-round game on the road.
But the visiting Cavaliers extended their winning streak with a convincing 60-47 victory over No. 8-seeded Palisades on Friday night, making a statement in the process.
“We wanted to prove that this year the Valley is up and the City is down,” Levitt said. “We thought we deserved a higher seeding, but we are determined to overcome any obstacles. We’ve been on a mission all season.”
Cleveland (21-4) trailed only twice in the game and led, 23-17, at halftime. Guard Kent Dennis led the Cavaliers with 20 points and seven assists. He made five of six free throws in the final minute to secure Cleveland’s 12th consecutive victory.
Kenny Mason scored 14 points for Cleveland, which held Palisades (16-7) to one basket in the final 1:33.
Edward Estevan led the Dolphins with 18 points before fouling out with 1:53 left.
“This was a lot more than just a playoff game,” Levitt said. “We had to win.”
Palisades, which beat Cleveland, 55-50, in the Beverly Hills tournament earlier this season, made only 17 of 61 shots.
“They are a good team and we’re a good team,” Coach James Paleno of Palisades said. “They beat us when it mattered most.”