UPDATE: Inglewood’s standout, Jason Crowe Jr., delivered a sensational performance, scoring 49 points as the Sentinels defeated St. Bernard 78-71 in a thrilling showdown on December 9, 2023, at the St. Bernard Viking Shore Showdown in Playa Del Rey.
The game saw Crowe and St. Bernard’s Brandon Granger clash for supremacy, with Inglewood leading by just a point at halftime. Crowe had already amassed 30 points, while Granger contributed 26 points. With 4:14 remaining in the third quarter, Granger was subbed out, allowing Crowe to push Inglewood’s lead to 17 points by the end of the quarter, finishing with a stunning 12-4 run.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Sentinels maintained their edge, ultimately holding off a late St. Bernard rally. Crowe’s remarkable scoring brought his career total to 3,957 points.
“The third quarter was the separating quarter as we built the lead up by playing tough defense,” Crowe stated. “We knew they couldn’t come back from there. They were good competition for us, but we just need to keep getting better.”
Crowe started strong, netting 8 points in the first quarter and dominating the second with 14 points. Meanwhile, Granger, after a slow start with only 4 points in the first quarter, exploded for 18 points in the second, finishing with a team-high 28 points for St. Bernard (7-6).
“I’ve played with him in my childhood, so I was used to it,” Granger said. “I just had to stay poised. To be able to do this tonight in front of a big crowd means a lot to me. It shows the work I’ve been putting in has paid off.”
Inglewood’s supporting players also shone, with Conerly stepping up to contribute crucial points, including two 3-pointers and a spectacular dunk. “J2 really stepped it up in the second half,” Conerly remarked, highlighting the competitive atmosphere between the two star players.
Despite the loss, St. Bernard head coach Bernard McCrumby praised his team’s resilience. “Growth and confidence is what I’m seeing from our team. We just are trying to get our kids to believe they can play with anyone,” McCrumby stated, looking forward to reinforcements as four key transfers become eligible next week.
As the basketball season progresses, both teams are set to continue their pursuit of victory, with eyes on regional and state championships. The electrifying performance by Crowe and the spirited effort from Granger promise an exciting season ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the upcoming matches that will showcase the talents of these rising stars.
