Locked Out: Chatsworth Hoops Is Homeless Until Gym Reconstruction Finishes

• Football Final: Sierra Canyon 42, Bishop Diego 16

The gymnasium at Chatsworth High is undergoing a facelift with a total makeover that will include a new floor, an air conditioning system and new paint inside and out -- but the timing is not working out for the Chancellors’ boys basketball team.

Because the construction got off to a late start, the gymnasium won’t be ready until Jan. 7 – or later, if there are delays – so the team has been scrambling to find places to practice.

And though defending City Section Div. III champion Chatsworth is 2-1 heading into tonight’s 6:30 game against Sun Valley at Camarillo High, coach Scott Switalla is not happy.

“We’re playing awful. We’ve practiced in a gym just four times over the past month,” Switalla said. “That’s why we’re committing turnovers and missing shots we normally make. It’s been a struggle.”

Chatsworth has been sharing an outside gym with Sierra Canyon at nearby Powerhouse, but because Sierra Canyon’s has been practicing there for years, the team has priority over Chatsworth, Switalla said.

“They get it whenever they want, whenever it’s available,” Switalla said. “We’ve headed to Lawrence Middle School to do some shooting, but it’s just not the same. I’m not trying to make excuses, but the whole thing is a mess.”

On the other hand, when construction is completed, the gymnasium is going to be nice.

“They’re not just redoing the floor. It’s a whole new floor,” Switalla said. “If they do a good job with the painting, it’s going to look really good.”

Terrell Funches, a returning All-City selection, has been a standout for the Chancellors. He is averaging 28 points per game, including 38 on Tuesday in a 91-86 loss to Valencia. The 6-foot-2 senior followed with 29 points and 15 rebounds Wednesday in a 75-67 win over Rio Mesa.

“Terrell is playing well. Without him, there’s no way we win that game against Rio Mesa,” Switalla said. “The kid can score. He is good.”

SIERRA CANYON FOOTBALL CLOSING IN ON TITLE GAME

Sierra Canyon’s football team is one step away from qualifying for a Southern Section East Valley Division final. The top-seeded Trailblazers (12-0) play host to Bishop Diego (11-1) at 7:30 tonight in a semifinal at Granada Hills High.

“I know Bishop Diego is a good football team,” Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said. “They’re fast, and they’re physical. It should be a good game.”

Sierra Canyon, led by quarterback Tyler Stewart (2,003 yards, 30 touchdowns), is an 18-point favorite on calpreps.com.

Second-seeded Paraclete, the opponent that defeated Sierra Canyon in last year’s championship game, is alive, too. The Spirits from Lancaster play tonight at Rim of the World in Lake Arrowhead in the other semifinal.

CHATSWORTH READY TO KICK START NEW SOCCER SEASON

Chatsworth’s boys soccer team was once among the San Fernando Valley’s top programs, winning a City title in 1991-92, and second-year coach Pablo Lastorta is trying to restore some tradition.

“My goal is to bring home their long-awaited second City championship and hopefully much more,” Lastorta said.