Birmingham’s Quest for Title Put on Hold by Granada Hills

Birmingham High has waited since 1961 to win a league championship in basketball. The wait will continue at least two more days.

The Braves, who clinched a tie for the Northwest Valley League championship last week with a victory over Canoga Park, could have won the title outright with a win Tuesday afternoon at home against Granada Hills.

Granada Hills, however, raced to a 20-point lead in the first quarter and held on to upset Birmingham, 74-68.

The loss snapped a 17-game win streak for Birmingham, which hadn’t lost since the second game of the season.

Birmingham (18-2, 8-1 in league) finishes the season Thursday against last-place Monroe, which the Braves defeated, 87-48, earlier this season. Birmingham Coach Jeff Halpern said his team won’t mind waiting another couple of days. Nor will they won’t take the loss too hard.

“A 17-game streak is over,� Halpern said. “It might take some pressure off.�

Forward Sean Brown led Granada Hills (15-4, 7-2) to its quick getaway. He scored 12 of his 18 points as the Highlanders went on an 18-3 run midway through the first quarter.

“It was a great feeling--totally unexpected,� Brown said. “But I knew we wouldn’t be up by 20 for the whole game.�

Granada Hills went cold in the second quarter, and Birmingham closed to 12 by halftime. The Braves pulled to within five twice in the second half but Granada Hills hung on.

Granada Hills center Gary Gray led his team with 29 points and 15 rebounds. Ennerea Maxwell had 23 points and 15 rebounds for Birmingham.