BOYS’ BASKETBALL CITY 4-A FINAL : Crenshaw Puts Squeeze on North Hollywood

Darvena Merritt of North Hollywood High gave it all she had Friday night in the City Section 4-A Division girls’ basketball final at the Sports Arena. But in the end, it was not enough to even come close to Crenshaw, which won easily, 72-50.

“I did my best, I played my hardest,” said Merritt, who suffered an asthma attack in the third quarter. “But we broke down on their press.”

Merritt led North Hollywood with 22 points and also contributed six rebounds. She scored 13 of her team’s 23 points in the first half.

Before Friday night, Crenshaw (24-2) had played in three City finals since 1987 and lost them all.

The seniors on this year’s team remember losing in 1991 to Washington. The Generals also defeated Crenshaw in the 1989 final, and Kennedy defeated Crenshaw in 1987.

That’s why the Cougars, ranked No. 7, felt so much pressure to win.

“Especially since it is my last year,” said Cathleen Grice, a senior guard.

Grice scored a game-high 26 points and had five rebounds to lead Crenshaw. Center Kimberly Howse had 15 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Crenshaw used a pressure defense to shut down North Hollywood guards Anna Celaya and Rachel Fogelhut.

Crenshaw led, 21-10, in a first quarter that was capped by six consecutive points by Grice.

At the half, Crenshaw led, 38-23.

North Hollywood (21-7) rallied at the beginning of the third quarter, outscoring Crenshaw, 8-2. But the Cougars went on a 14-1 run.

Reaching the final was more than the Huskies expected. North Hollywood lost three players early when seniors Nikki Hamilton and Tricia Crosby were sidelined because of knee injuries before the fifth game and Liz LaFevers moved to Westlake Village.

“We’ve gone through a lot this year, and we’ve played on emotion the last six or seven games,” said Rich Allen, North Hollywood coach, “and sometimes, you run out of that.”

For Crenshaw, the feeling was a little different.

Co-Coach Major Dennis said, “It’s kind of like having a load off your shoulders.”