By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Palisades High boys basketball coach Donzell Hayes knew it would take a herculean effort for his team to upset first-place Westchester in Monday’s Western League game at the Dolphins’ gym.
Cole Jacobs scored 11 points, making three three-pointers, Anthony Spencer had eight points and four assists and Graham Alphson added seven points and seven rebounds, but in the end the Dolphins were unable to cope with Westchester’s height in a 65-34 loss. The Comets, one of the top-ranked teams in California, lost to Birmingham in the City Section Open Division final last season.
The Dolphins began the week with momentum after last Friday’s 64-56 triumph at Hamilton, when Nick Kerkorian made 14 of 15 free throw tries and finished with a season-high 22 points. Spencer added 15 points, four assists and three steals, Will Janney had nine points and five rebounds and Alphson had eight points and six rebounds.
The Yankees led 28-26 at halftime. Kerkorian’s jumper crawled over the front of the rim and dropped to give Palisades its first lead of the second half, 33-32, then sank a corner three-pointer to put his team up 38-37 entering the fourth quarter.
Jacobs had five points, Roman Hartwell and Avi Massaband each had one basket and Teddy Suisman made one free throw for the Dolphins, who pulled away late to even their league ledger at 2-2.
Spencer led the Dolphins with 11 points in last Wednesday’s 27-point home loss to defending league champion Fairfax.
Palisades opens the second round of league play Friday night at home versus Venice (tip-off at 6:30).
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