Thrilling Overtime Victory
In a thrilling overtime battle at L.A. Southwest College, Cleveland High’s sophomore sensation, Sho Evans, played a pivotal role in leading his team to a 68-64 semifinal victory over Fairfax in the City Section Open Division playoffs. Despite missing a critical shot that could have secured a win in regulation, Evans bounced back with an impressive performance in extra time, scoring five of his seven total points when it mattered most.
Key Moments
His standout moment came with just 50 seconds remaining, when he converted a crucial play into a three-point opportunity that extended Cleveland’s narrow lead to 64-60. Evans’ ability to maintain his composure under pressure exemplified his resolve and confidence.
“I just had to have that shooter’s mentality when you miss or make, keep shooting,”
Evans remarked after the game, acknowledging the support and trust his teammates and coaches have in his shooting abilities.
Team Performance
The Cavaliers, who improved their season record to 20-9, were pushed to the brink as they required a late free throw from Harout Posheyan, just 2.6 seconds before the end of regulation, to tie the game at 61. Posheyan was fouled while grabbing an offensive rebound from an earlier missed shot by Evans and successfully made one out of two foul shots.
Cleveland faced a perplexing defensive strategy from Fairfax, which alternated between man-to-man and a trapping zone that led to numerous turnovers for the Cavaliers in the second half. Fairfax’s Ketrayl Roberson was the team’s top scorer with 15 points, while Chris Stokes contributed 13 points to the effort.
Looking Ahead
Now, Cleveland prepares for a significant challenge as they gear up to face the top-seeded Palisades in the championship game on Friday. Palisades displayed their strength by defeating San Pedro 71-56 in the other semifinal matchup, demonstrating that they have yet to be seriously challenged, with previous opponents losing by no fewer than 21 points.
The Dolphins’ freshman guard Phillip Reed has emerged as a rising star, showcasing his skills with 29 points in the semifinal. Additionally, the arrival of the Popoola twins, EJ and OJ, has bolstered Palisades’ lineup, enhancing their size and athleticism.
As the finals approach, Cleveland faces an uphill battle against a formidable opponent, but with players like Evans and team resilience, they remain hopeful of pulling off an upset.
