By John Sherrard, Correspondent
LA MIRADA – The stage is set for a showdown for the Suburban League boys basketball title next Friday.
La Mirada High School did its part and easily defeated visiting Norwalk, 63-42, Friday night in its final game before a rematch with Mayfair.
Mayfair, which will host the final game, and La Mirada each have only one loss in league and barring a loss next Wednesday by Mayfair, a title will be decided in the final regular-season game for both teams.
Mayfair defeated the Matadores, 54-44, in the first meeting.
La Mirada (17-10, 10-1) will have a chance to win its first outright league championship since 1982.
The Matadores were led by forward Charlie Reid with a game-high 23 points Friday. The senior also had nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Senior guard Tyler Payne added 15 points and five assists.
Norwalk (14-11, 6-4) was led by senior center Ralph Wormley with 12 points.
“We’ve been wanting to get to this game, our last home game for our seniors with a big crowd,” La Mirada coach Bryce Jones said. “It’s good to win a game in front of a big crowd.”
“Once Norwalk beat Mayfair, that definitely got our attention,” Jones said of Mayfair’s only loss.
“Assuming they (Mayfair) win out, we’re playing for a championship. To do that in the Suburban League with all the history of this league with Artesia and Mayfair dominating, for us to finally be in a position to win is huge.”