High School Boys Basketball: La Serna surprises California

California High School’s Traie Kastl-Givens tries to shoot between a pair of La Serna defenders during Friday’s Del Rio League game. (Christopher Burt / Correspondent)

By Eric Terrazas, Staff Writer
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WHITTIER – Taurean Oram scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead La Serna High School’s boys basketball team to a 43-42 upset victory over Del Rio League rival California on Friday.

After California’s Matt Lambrecht broke a 39-39 fourth-quarter tie with a 3-point basket, the visiting Lancers secured the win by scoring the game’s last four points.

Gio Long’s putback cut the Condors’ advantage to 42-41. This set the stage for Dylan Moore, who put the Lancers ahead with what would turn out to be a game-winning layup.

The Condors had one last chance with six seconds left, but a steal by La Serna’s Anthony Mena secured the victory for the Lancers.

It was perhaps the biggest win of the season for the Lancers, who improve to 10-14 overall and 3-5 in league.

California, which entered Friday with sole possession of first place in the Del Rio standings, fell to 18-7 overall and 6-2 in league.

“It was a great game,” Oram said. “(The win) feels good. We played together (on Friday).”

La Serna coach Josh Beaty added, “It means so much to these kids. I’m so happy for them. They are going to remember this.”

Lambrecht led California by scoring 13 points.

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