GAME OF THE WEEK : Cougars Show No Hospitality in West’s House

Crenshaw High dedicated its basketball gymnasium to longtime Coach Willie West on Friday.

After all these years, many thought West already owned the place.

Considering Crenshaw has lost only four times at home under West, it was not surprising the Cougars beat Washington, 66-56, in a Southern Pacific Conference game.

The Cougars had an easy time against the only team from California to beat them the past two years and the last team to win at Crenshaw.

The Generals managed to score only five points in the fourth quarter and the Cougars rarely pressed. Charles Stone had a chance to give Washington the lead, but was low-bridged by Antonio Simpson while attempting a dunk. Stone’s first free throw tied the score at 52-52, but his second bounced off the rim.

Corey Williams, who played the fourth quarter with four fouls, made a right-handed hook and Crenshaw regained the lead for good, 54-52. From there, Stone lost control of the ball and missed an awkward shot and the Generals made four consecutive turnovers down the court.

Even when Ronnie Arch, who had 14 points, fouled out with a little more than three minutes remaining, the Generals could not capitalize.

And the Cougars accomplished this with their two tallest players--Arch and Williams--sitting out in foul trouble.

Sophomore point guard Kevin Bradley, who had 14 points, steadied the Cougars offense, finding the open man cutting through the key and reducing turnovers.

West was honored during a pregame ceremony.

Records: Washington 16-5; Crenshaw 17-3.