Crenshaw Sweeps the City 4-A Titles

Each season, the Crenshaw High boys’ basketball sets its sights on one thing: the City Section championship. Second place is not acceptable.

This season, Crenshaw was true to its tradition, defeating Dorsey in the City 4-A final, 92-71, Friday night at the Sports Arena.

Earlier on Friday, the Crenshaw girls defeated North Hollywood, 72-50, to win the 4-A championship. The only other time a school won both the boys’ and girls’ City titles was when Crenshaw did it during the 1984-85 season.

It is the Crenshaw boys’ 12th City title. The Cougars also have won four State championships.

“It is always special . . . we have been on 11 (titles) for some time,” said Crenshaw Coach Willie West, whose team won its last City title in 1989.

Crenshaw (24-2) lost to Westchester in last season’s 4-A final.

Dorsey (15-12) was a surprise finalist after losing twice to Crenshaw during the regular season. The Dons upset North Hollywood and Washington during the playoffs.

Crenshaw was led by Kristaan Johnson, a junior forward, who scored 28 points. Johnson scored 18 points during the fourth quarter, making 14 of 15 free throws.

Tremaine Fowlkes, a junior center, had 22 points for Crenshaw. Maurice Robinson, a senior guard, and Reggie McFerren, a junior forward, each scored 13 points for Crenshaw.

“It was my whole goal this season,” Johnson said. “It was a pleasant ending to the City season.”

The game was won at the free-throw line, where Crenshaw made 36 of 38 shots.

Crenshaw held a 43-34 halftime lead. Robinson made six of eight free throws during the second quarter.

Crenshaw increased its lead to 64-53 at the end of the third quarter on six third-quarter points from Robinson, including two three-pointers.

Dorsey was led by Davy Fortson, a senior forward, who scored 21 points. Fortson fouled out during the fourth quarter.

Crenshaw’s only loss to a City Section opponent this season was to Washington.