Missed Free Throws Spoil Birmingham’s Bid

With 1 second left in a semifinal game against Poly High, Birmingham’s chance of regaining the lead and advancing to the championship game of its own tournament dissolved as Asa Kirk missed 2 free throws and Poly held on, 57-56, Wednesday night at Birmingham.

Birmingham (4-5) led the entire game until Juan Estrada’s 3-point basket gave Poly the lead with 20 seconds left. Poly’s Godofredo Magno missed the front end of a 1-and-1 that would have put Poly (6-4) further ahead, but when Kirk was fouled on the ensuing drive he was unable to make either shot.

Poly’s John Bruner led all scorers with 25 points and Tyronne Craig led Birmingham with 20 points.

Poly will play Grant in the final at 8:15 tonight.

In other tournament games:

Grant 76, Reseda 51--Already leading, 35-26, at the end of the first half, Grant pulled away with the help of Nate Conner’s 16 second-half points in the semifinal game. Conner finished with 21 points and Reseda’s Coley Kyman led all scorers with 25 points.

Bel-Air Prep 83, Monroe 59--Bel-Air Prep (5-5) jumped to a commanding first-quarter lead and cruised in the second-round game.

The Bruins led, 17-2, midway through the first quarter before Monroe’s Mike Enriquez hit a pair of 3-point shots. Enriquez finished with 5 3-point baskets and a team-high 17 points.

Van Nuys 70, Canoga Park 49--Canoga Park shook off a tough Van Nuys full-court press to take a 27-26 halftime lead before falling apart in the second half of the second-round game.