Harvard-Westlake Boys Basketball Holds Off Notre Dame to Win Seventh Straight Mission League Title
Wolverines Secure Championship with Late-Game Heroics
From the opening tip, it felt like destiny was in the hands of the Harvard-Westlake boys basketball team. But destiny didn’t come without drama.
The game started with a Nikolas Khamenia 3-pointer from the top of the key as the shot clock was winding down. The Wolverines carried a 57-48 advantage into the fourth quarter, down from their 15-point halftime lead. The Knights continued to chip away at the lead from there.
Notre Dame’s NaVorro Bowman stole the ball on the opening inbounds play of the fourth quarter and scored a quick bucket. Later, Tyran Stokes scored a bucket, and Zach White scored another, bringing the score to 57-57. In the blink of an eye, the Knights tied the game, putting the Wolverines back on their heels.
But Khamenia made big shots and sank his free throws, calming the waters. He scored eight of his team’s 10 fourth-quarter points, including the clutch 3-pointer to give his team the lead back after Stokes had gotten Notre Dame its first lead of the game with one minute remaining.
Khamenia’s Heroics Secure Championship
Khamenia, who has been a varsity player for four years, praised his teammates after the win, mirroring his unselfish play on the court. “I’m not out here without those guys,” he said. “One through 15, even the guys that don’t get to touch the floor a whole bunch, they’re giving us work every day in practice. This place is really a family, and just to wear Harvard-Westlake on your chest is one of the biggest blessings I could have ever had.”
Team Effort Pays Off
Sterling scored 22 points for Harvard-Westlake, including a 3-pointer from about 25 feet out as time expired to end the first half. White led Notre Dame with 18 points and five rebounds, and Bowman scored 14 points.
Looking Ahead to CIF Playoffs
Both teams will await the CIF Southern Section playoff pairings announcement on Saturday at noon. The likelihood that these two teams might meet for a third time this season is probable, with both programs likely to be playing in the Open Division pool. For now, the Wolverines will celebrate their seventh straight Mission League title, with another goal on the horizon.
“We’re definitely going to celebrate it tonight, but come tomorrow, we turn that next page and get ready for CIF regionals,” Khamenia said.
FAQs
* What is the current streak of Mission League titles won by Harvard-Westlake?
The Wolverines have won seven consecutive Mission League titles.
* Who led the scoring for Harvard-Westlake in the championship game?
Nikolas Khamenia and Joe Sterling both scored 24 points for the Wolverines.
* What is the next step for both teams in the playoff process?
The teams will await the CIF Southern Section playoff pairings announcement on Saturday at noon, with the likelihood of a potential third matchup this season.
* How did the game come down to the wire?
The game was tied at 57-57 with one minute remaining, and Khamenia’s 3-pointer and subsequent free throws secured the win for Harvard-Westlake.
