HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Coach Steve Brumwell of Grant has only eight girls on the varsity after the early-season loss of senior point guard Deja Cruz to injury. Five players are sophomores.

When the Lancers avenged their only Sunset Six League defeat with a 49-42 overtime victory at North Hollywood on Wednesday, it was no surprise to the ninth-year coach that his team played with more poise and maturity than in a 65-50 loss to the Huskies on Jan. 19.

“We were forced to play [young players],” Brumwell said. “We didn’t have depth or experience for most of the season.”

Melissa Chingren, a 5-8 sophomore forward, missed the first game because of an injury. She scored seven points and provided key interior defense Wednesday, helping limit 6-foot senior center Richelle Sherman of North Hollywood to 10 points.

The Lancers (16-8, 8-1 in league play), who also got eight points from 5-8 sophomore Temma Healey, can clinch a share of the title with a victory tonight against Verdugo Hills. They will be without senior guard Krystal Clay, who scored 20 points before she sprained an ankle in the closing seconds of Wednesday’s game.

“A little rest over the weekend and she’ll be ready to practice on Monday,” Brumwell said.

Grant was unbeaten last season in league play and was co-champion in 1998. Brumwell is seeking his fifth title with the Lancers.

North Hollywood (15-9, 8-1) can clinch a share of Coach Rich Allen’s 15th title in 18 years with a victory tonight against Hollywood.