Carson works overtime for its first City title since 1982
TORRANCE » Ezekiel Harry was no stranger to the negative thoughts that surrounded the Carson boys basketball program heading into this season.
“We were 4-21 last year,” Harry said. “Everyone had their doubts.”
Carson turned those negative thoughts into a celebration Friday as it defeated Los Angeles Jordan 62-60 in overtime to win the CIF L.A. City Section Division III championship at El Camino College.
The title is Carson's first since 1982.
“This feels great,” Harry said. “It's a big accomplishment this year to come home with a title.”
Harry played a critical role down the stretch.
After Jacob Ortega's turnover at midcourt, Harry came up with a steal and scored on a layup to give the Colts (1516) a 61-59 edge with just over 30 seconds to play in overtime.
Harry then stepped to the free-throw line with 6.2 seconds to play. He pointed to his ring finger before making one of his two free throws to give Carson a two-point margin that held up.
“Those free throws were big, but I'm disappointed in myself because I practiced those shots,” Harry, who finished with 17 points and six steals, said. “We got the win, but I'd have loved to make both free throws.”
Carson coach Kevin Shaw, who was a high school student at El Camino Real in 1982, praised his team for how hard it worked this season.
“These kids stepped up,” Shaw said. “I thought we had a good opportunity to do well, and the kids stepped up and delivered a championship home to Carson.”
Davon Jones finished with a game-high 34 points for Jordan (23-8). He scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, turning a four-point Carson lead into a tied game at the end of regulation.
Jones fouled out with 1:44 to play in overtime.
“Once we got (Jones) out of the game, I knew we'd win the game,” Harry said. “Once he was out, I felt relieved. No one was stopping him.”
Carson held a six-point lead, 37-31, in the third quarter after Justin Cooper's steal and layup.
Jacob Ortega led Carson with 23 points and Cooper added 10 points, including a 3-pointer to give Carson a 54-51 edge with 37 seconds to play.
Jordan made three of its four free throws in the final minute of regulation to force overtime.
Shaw knows second chances don't always present themselves.
“This was our second opportunity for a title, and we were able to finish the job this time,” Shaw said. “It feels good. There are times where you don't think you'll make it again.”