Crossroads Marks End of Line for L.A. Baptist in 77-56 Defeat

NEWHALL — Top-seeded Crossroads High used near flawless execution and a stifling full-court press to record an easy 77-56 victory over fourth-seeded L.A. Baptist in a Southern Section Division IV-A semifinal game Friday night at Hart High.

Senior guard Baron Davis led the Roadrunners (26-3) with 25 points, eight assists and eight steals, despite sitting out the second quarter with two fouls.

Crossroads opened the game on a 27-5 run, forced 17 first-half turnovers, and led, 39-16, at halftime.

“We did just what I didn’t think we would do,” L.A. Baptist Coach Bob Chevalier said. “We panicked and allowed them to get a big lead in the first half.”

The Knights (24-3) got as close as 63-49 with three minutes, 46 seconds to play on the strength of four consecutive three-pointers by guard Jermaine Sweet.

Sweet had 24 points, five assists and five steals. “At times, Jermaine was the best player on the floor,” Chevalier said.

Guard Cash Warren--son of former UCLA standout and Hill Street Blues star Michael Warren--had 19 points and seven assists for Crossroads.