Boys’ basketball: Three-way race for first in Western League

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Brendyn Taylor scored 17 points and Chaunce Hill was effective inside, getting seven rebounds and four blocks, to help Fairfax knock off host Westchester, 53-46, in a Western League game Wednesday.

Fairfax (14-7, 6-1) is tied for first place with Palisades (12-9, 6-1). Westchester (13-5, 5-1) is a half-game behind.

Westchester made just one of 11 shots in the second quarter and fell behind, 27-14, at halftime. The Comets tried to make a fourth-quarter comeback, but a three-pointer by Jonathan Brown with 2:09 left was a key basket for the Lions.

It was the seventh game since Taylor was declared eligible by the CIF, and his growing confidence has aided Fairfax.

‘The rust is starting to come off,’ Taylor said. ‘I’m starting to play like the regular me.’

Palisades defeated LACES, 94-52. Donovan Johnson scored 25 points. University rallied from from a 12-point deficit to defeat Hamilton, 55-54. Victor Nwaba had 18 points.

In the West Valley League, Taft and El Camino Real set up a title showdown for Friday at Taft. El Camino Real defeated Granada Hills, 58-33. Julian Richardson had 19 points. Taft defeated Chatsworth, 80-57. Brandon Perry scored 21 points and Kris Yanku 18.

In the Eastern League, Bell (12-4,6-0) moved two games ahead with a 47-42 win over Garfield.

In the Coliseum League, Crenshaw defeated Manual Arts, 63-57. Brandon Baker scored 24 points.

In the East Valley League, Grant defeated Verdugo Hills, 78-63. Grigor Khachatryan made all seven of his shots and all four of his free throws in finishing with 20 points. In the Valley Mission League, Kennedy defeated Van Nuys, 61-30.

In the Marine League, Washington defeated King-Drew, 109-54. Ralph Harvey Jr. scored 23 points and Isaiah Hicks had 21.

-- Eric Sondheimer