Going Overtime

Pali Rec Center Minor All-Stars Fall to Rancho Cienega in Citywide Basketball Championship Game 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

One week after making history by repeating as region champion, the Palisades Recreation Center’s Co-Ed Minor Division All-Star basketball team sought to hang a second straight City championship banner on the wall in the big gym.

Victory was so close that the players could taste it, but Rancho Cienega rallied to force overtime and ultimately prevailed 40-33 at Westchester Recreation Center.

Palisades led most of the game, forging a three-point halftime lead and opening the second half on an 8-0 run to go ahead 27-16 with 15 minutes left.

Connor Petoyan’s layup put Palisades up 32-30 with 2:15 to go, but Rancho Cienega’s Edward Vernon hit two free throws to level the score once again with 1:38 left. Each side had two chances to break the tie but neither could and two minutes were added to determine the winner.

Sean Findley was fouled and made a free throw, but Augustine Valadez hit two three-pointers and teammate Dominick Bowie added two free throws with 30 seconds left to seal the win for Rancho Cienega.

“It’s an honor to be part of this team and watch these boys grow and develop,” said Palisades head coach John Jacobs, who was assisted by Ken Vander Veen. “These kinds of experiences teach the boys so much and make life fun and interesting. I look forward to watching them all continue to develop in basketball and in life.”

Petoyan and Findley each scored six points along with Julien Harnoncourt, who is one of only two returning players from last year’s squad that defeated Shatto in the Citywide final.

Rounding out the roster of local 9-and 10-year-olds for Saturday’s game were Jake Vander Veen, Quincy Watson, Luke Jacobs, Henry Simon, Will Petoyan and Shayen Bhatia.

Palisades had to win five games over three weeks to reach the City final, including a 53-34 triumph over North Weddington in the Valley/Shoreline Region final at Westwood Rec Center.

In the postgame trophy presentation Pali Rec Director Erich Haas congratulated both teams on their heart and sportsmanship.   

“Palisades challenged us like no one has all tournament,” Rancho Cienega Coach  Andre Arnold said. “You’re a great team!”

Palisades began its impressive run March 10 against Cheviot Hills A and followed with victories over Penmar 1, Cheviot Hills 1, Balboa 1 and North Weddington.