Pali High Boys Hoops Rallies to Beat Venice

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Fourth in the Western League was on the line last Wednesday night when Palisades High’s boys basketball team traveled to archrival Venice for its regular season finale. The Dolphins fell behind by 13 points  early in the second quarter, but fought their way back to tie it 28-28 at halftime thanks to Caden Arnold’s three-point buzzer beater. Palisades took command in the third quarter, outscoring the Gondos 22-6, and coasted to a 68-56 victory to sweep the season series and even its record at 11-11 and 6-6 in league. Venice settled for fifth ahead of LACES and Hamilton.

Arnold had 16 points and five steals, Graham Alphson had 12 points and four blocks, Sheldon Zanders scored 10 points, Dylan Griffin scored eight points and Anthony Spencer added seven points and four assists, Bowdoin Brazell had four points, Charlie Moore had one basket and Roman Hartwell and Ryder Gianotti each made a three-pointer for Palisades.

Fairfax went 12-0 to repeat as league champion, Westchester took second at 10-2 and University came in third at 7-5.

Palisades was awarded the No. 5 seed in the City Section Division I playoffs and hosts No. 12 Van Nuys in the first round tomorrow night. The Wolves (13-16) tied for first place in the Valley Mission League. University is No. 4 and, if seedings hold, would host Palisades in the quarterfinals next Wednesday.