Nothing but Net

Pali High Boys Basketball Rebounds from Defeat to Westchester with Crucial League Victory over University

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The best way for the Palisades High varsity boys basketball team to shake off last Wednesday’s 30-point home loss to nationally-ranked and reigning City Section Open Division champion Westchester was for the Dolphins to take out their frustrations on their next opponent.

That’s just what happened, as everyone in uniform contributed to a 67-55 win that moved Palisades into third place in the Western League.

The game was played at a frenzied pace and Palisades opened up a 10-2 lead before the Wildcats answered with a 6-0 run of their own. However, the Dolphins ended the first quarter on a 7-2 run to lead 17-10.

University fought back to tie the game 19-19 early in the second quarter and Palisades led only 31-29 at halftime. Graham Alphson’s layup off a give-and-go from Nick Kerkorian gave the Dolphins a 51-42 lead midway through the fourth quarter and the Wildcats never got closer than eight from then on.

Palisades made 19 of 21 free throws, including 13 of 14 by Kerkorian, who led with 20 points. Alphson had 16, Will Janney had 12 and Jaden Shorter added nine.   

David Cheatom scored 33 points for the Wildcats, who wore their home jerseys despite playing at the Pali High gym.

    “Our gym floor is being resurfaced and it’s not ready yet, so we decided to play the game here even though we’re technically the home team,” University Coach Steve Ackerman said.

The teams are scheduled to meet a second time Jan. 30, also at Palisades.