Prep sports roundup: Youth movement helps St. John Bosco hold off Long Beach Poly

Sophomores Kade Bonam and Elzie Harrington played extensively as freshmen last season for St. John Bosco, so they should be well schooled in how to handle close games. It came in handy on Wednesday night in a battle with Long Beach Poly.

The Braves (7-0) weren’t playing particularly well, and Poly (1-5) was taking advantage, holding a three-point lead with just over two minutes left. That’s when Harrington contributed back-to-back baskets, then Bonam scored. Finally Harrington made two free throws with 11 seconds left to clinch a 52-48 victory in the St. John Bosco tournament.

Bonam had 19 points and Harrington 13. And don’t let Poly winning only one time fool you. Four of the losses have come to unbeaten teams: Rancho Cucamonga, Beverly Hills, St. Bernard and St. John Bosco. Cash Stokley had 12 points and Jovanni Ruff 10.

Walnut 81, Hillcrest 72: Walnut improved to 9-0 with the win at St. John Bosco.

Dominguez 52, Grand Terrace 50: Isaac Sowell had the game-winning basket and finished with 29 points and 26 rebounds.

Brentwood 83, Morningside 38: Joran Houegban scored 29 points and James Olofson 16 at the Beverly Hills tournament.

Westlake 65, Santa Barbara 35: Austin Maziasz finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Westlake.

St. Francis 56, Sacred Heart Prep 52: In overtime, the Golden Knights pulled out the win. Jackson Mosley finished with 25 points.

Bishop Alemany 71, Buckley 42: Jared Mims scored 25 points for Alemany (8-1).

Torrance 59, Kennedy 44: Andre De los Reyes had 30 points for Torrance.

Venice 70, University 54: All-City guard Tyler Hunt scored 20 points in a Western League win.

Tesoro 53, San Clemente 41: Carson Brown had 24 points for 10-1 Tesoro.

Girls’ basketball

Mater Dei 82, Arizona Perry 69: In Phoenix, the Monarchs won behind Jenessa Cotton, who finished with 21 points. Caia Elisaldez added 19 points and Addie Deal 15.

Rosary 73, Temescal Canyon 21: Allison Clarke scored 28 points for Rosary.

Westchester 79, Palisades 53: The City Section title favorites are 5-0 and won the Western League game behind Mariah Blake, who scored 17 points.

Boys’ soccer

Servite 4, Downey 2: Dylan Graham contributed three goals for the Friars (2-0-2).

Birmingham 3, SO Notre Dame 0: Simon Ruiz scored two goals in the season debut for the Patriots.