Boys’ basketball: Fairfax holds off Birmingham, 65-62

Showing the parity in City Section basketball among the top teams, Fairfax (13-1) struggled to a 65-62 victory over Birmingham in an opening game of the Huntington Park tournament on Monday night.

Donald Gipson led the Lions with 17 points. Jamal Hartwell made some clutch free throws.

Birmingham received 22 points from Devonte Doutrive and 14 points from Deschon Winston, an El Camino Real transfer making his season debut.

In a Mission League opener, Crespi defeated St. Francis, 69-44. Anthony Booker had 17 points and De’Anthony Melton 13.

Sean Fernandez scored 26 points to help North Hollywood defeat University, 65-61.

Cleveland defeated Panorama, 67-47. Wayne Currie finished with 18 points for the Cavaliers (12-5).

South Gate defeated Carson, 66-39. Jose Velasquez and Julio Maldonado each scored 12 points. Lincoln defeated Locke, 56-40. Jamal Cole finished with 19 points.

Mission Viejo defeated Trabuco Hills, 55-47. Chris Meyer had 12 points and Morgan Smith 10.

For the latest on high school sports, follow @LATSondheimer on Twitter