L.A. Price holds off Orange Lutheran for title

Tyler Funk’s last-second three-pointer hit the front of the rim and bounced away as Los Angeles Price held off Orange Lutheran, 73-70, in the Southern Section Division 4AA boys’ basketball championship game.

Allen Crabbe, a senior guard who has signed with California, scored 22 points for Price (29-3), which won its second straight section title and 10th in 11 finals appearances since 1999. “Last year we won it in overtime [over West Hills Chaminade] so it was exciting, but this feels just as great. I’m so proud of this team.”

Price led 72-70 when Crabbe outjumped three Lutheran defenders to grab his sixth rebound with 20 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Lutheran tried unsuccessfully to steal the inbounds pass and Crabbe was fouled intentionally with 14.8 seconds left. He made the front end of a one-and-one, giving Price a 73-70 lead, but his second free throw rolled off.

Sophomore Skylar Spencer appeared to get a hand on Funk’s game-tying attempt from the top of the key just before the final buzzer. Richard Solomon had 19 points and Askia Booker added 15 points and seven assists for the top-seeded Knights, who used a 11-0 run early in the third quarter to erase a 43-40 halftime deficit.

“We never expected a blowout,” Price Coach Michael Lynch said. “That team plays Mater Dei twice a year so if we won by 10 points or half a point I’d be happy. I can’t say enough about Allen [Crabbe]. he played the whole game and he just wasn’t going to let his guys lose.”

Gabe York scored 21 points, James Douglas had 17 and Funk added 15 for the second-seeded Lancers (23-8).

It’s hard to beat the same team three times in one season, but Encino Crespi did just that Friday night with a 50-43 victory over Mission Hills Alemany in the Southern Section Division 4A boys’ championship game at Mater Dei High.

Blake Stanton scored 21 points for the second-seeded Celts (21-11) and Matt Mournier added 17 points, extending his double-digit scoring streak to 21 consecutive games.

Max Guercy had 14 points and Jerico Richardson added 8 for the Warriors (15-17), who raced to a 19-6 lead in the first quarter but trailed 27-25 at halftime.

-- Steve Galluzzo

City Section boys

San Pedro 65, Los Angeles University 47 -- Johnny Allen scored 15 points to help San Pedro (20-10) win the City Section Division II boys’ championship at Los Angeles Roybal. David Nwaba scored 24 points for University (19-14).

-- Eric Sondheimer

City Section girls’ Division II

Woodland Hills El Camino Real 51, Granada Hills 33: Sarah Rebibo and Brooke Amenca each scored 14 points to help the Conquistadores win the City Section Division II girls’ championshiip.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Southern Section girls Division 5AA

Gardena Serra 66, Cerritos Valley Christian 47 -- -Megan Wright had 19 points and Danielle Muepo added 14 points and 10 rebounds as the top-seeded Cavaliers (25-7) outscored Cerritos Valley Christian 22-6 in the first quarter on their way to winning the Southern Section Division 5AA girls’ championship at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana.

Kari Korver scored 22 points and Jelissa Holder added 8 for the second-seeded Crusaders (25-7).

-- Steve Galluzzo