Granada Hills Takes a Step Back Before Knocking Off Taft

Only two days after losing to Cleveland, a team that had won just one game all season, Granada Hills upset West Valley League leader Taft, 82-80, in overtime.

“The guys have felt all along we have a pretty good team,” Coach Lou Cicciari said. “The problem is we play to the competition. I’m trying to sell these guys that defense is what wins games.”

Cicciari is excited about 6-foot-3 sophomore Manny Cortez, who’s averaging 12.4 points and has made 61 three-pointers.

“I think he’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Valley,” Cicciari said. “He’s a darn good shooter.”

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Center Kevin Bernard of Grant has been lost for the season after injuring a knee Friday night against Canoga Park.

Bernard fell awkwardly after he was fouled while making a layup. He sustained torn ligaments and his knee was placed in a cast.

He will be replaced in the starting lineup by 6-6 junior Stephen Kaufman.

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The Top 10

Rankings of high school basketball teams from the region

BOYS

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RK LW School (League) Rec. 1 1 Oxnard (Pacific View) 19-3 2 2 Thousand Oaks (Marmonte) 17-4 3 7 Crescenta Valley (Pacific) 20-5 4 8 Crespi (Mission) 16-5 5 4 Agoura (Marmonte) 17-4 6 9 No. Hollywood (Sunset Six) 15-5 7 6 La Canada (Rio Hondo) 17-5 8 3 Taft (West Valley) 16-5 9 5 Notre Dame (Mission) 18-5 10 NR Chaminade (Mission) 14-8

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GIRLS

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RK LW School (League) Rec. 1 1 Buena (Channel) 20-0 2 2 Ventura (Channel) 15-5 3 3 Harvard-Westlake (Mission) 18-5 4 4 Antelope Valley (Golden) 21-3 5 6 Taft (West Valley) 17-0 6 7 Newbury Park (Marmonte) 16-7 7 8 Valencia (Foothill) 18-4 8 5 Saugus (Foothill) 18-3 9 NR Chaminade (Mission) 16-3 10 9 Hart (Foothill) 15-5

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