Gardena Cagers Edge L.A. in Last Minute, 73-68

Gardena High’s basketball team pulled away in the final minute Wednesday to defeat Los Angeles, 73-68, in a non-league season opener at Gardena.

Four players scored in double figures for the Mohicans, who scored the last 5 points after Los Angeles had come from behind to tie at 68-68 in the fourth quarter.

“I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t put them away,” said Gardena Coach Bill Hughes, whose team led by as many as 10 points in the second half. “But it was the first game of the year, and I’m happy we won.”

Point guard Chris Thompson and forward Curtis Green led Gardena with 16 points apiece, while guard Darryl McMillan and forward Kevin Sanders each added 14. Sanders, McMillan and Green combined for the last 5 points.

The four returning seniors from last year’s 5-15 team also contributed in other ways. Sanders had a game-high 15 rebounds and Green added 10, Thompson had 6 assists and McMillan, in a fine all-around performance, had 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.

Taller Los Angeles was led by 6-10 center Adam Henderson with a game-high 24 points.

San Pedro 67, South Gate 62--Forward Jay Horton scored 22 points, forward Willie Sanchez added 14 and 6-6 center Joe Doktorczyk had 10 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Pirates (2-0) to a non-league win at San Pedro.