Northgate Maroons Las Lomas With Late Steal

Showdowns between cross-town rivals Northgate and Las Lomas tend to come down to the wire.

Saturday night was no different.

Northgate (6-3) beat Las Lomas (4-2) in a classic "Battle of the Creek” game behind a 17-point and five-rebound performance from Northgate senior Connor Jean. Senior Jonny Crosthwaite also added 10 points and 9 rebounds for the Broncos.

Las Lomas got the ball back after a missed free throw with 10 seconds left and drove down the court. However, Crosthwaite stole the ball from Las Lomas’ Tyler Fidelibus with one second left in the game to seal the win for Northgate.

Crosthwaite was ecstatic after the game.

“I was really happy because I knew it was a clutch possession,” said Crosthwaite. “My teammates were pulling for me and I wasn’t going to let them down because they won’t let me know.”

The game was tight through the first half of play with Northgate leading 21-18 at halftime. Northgate led for most of the game and controlled the tempo of the Las Lomas offense.

Northgate coach Steve Mitchell told his team this week that their defense needed to step up in order to earn the victory.

“The only way that we would win is if we play 32 of the most intense defense that we can possibly play,” said Mitchell. “My guys responded — we really came out and pressured them all over the floor. But I really have to hand it to Las Lomas. They came back to make some big shots to make the ending a classic.”

Northgate shot 44 percent from the field.

For Las Lomas, senior Tyler Fidelibus led the Knights with 16 points and had seven rebounds. Christian Lawson had eight points including two three-pointers.

The atmosphere was electric with both student bodies chanting and cheering throughout the game. A popular chant for both schools is: "I believe that we will win.”

“Our students have been fantastic — every year our sixth man keeps growing,” said Mitchell. “They’ve always been supportive, they love our team and we love them.”

The two schools contend for the annual Battle of the Creek in the two major sports — football and basketball. Las Lomas , but Northgate will end up splitting the series with their win on the hardwood.

“We played stellar defense; defense wins championships,” said Crosthwaite. “I know it’s a cliche — but that’s what won the game tonight.”

Box Score:

 Northgate 52, Las Lomas 49

Northgate