Crespi's Joe Sterling hits game-winner to stun No. 1 Sierra Canyon in OT (video)

Sterling, a standout sophomore, hit a game-winner in the final seconds to stun No. 1-ranked Sierra Canyon on the road

Former NBA guard Derek Fisher knows a thing or two about hitting game-winning shots. The first-year Crespi boys basketball coached watched a dramatic game unfold Wednesday night.

Crespi sophomore Joe Sterling hit a game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds of the Celts' 64-61 overtime victory at No. 1 Sierra Canyon in the Mission League tournament semifinal.

The Celts will play at Harvard-Westlake, 60-56 winners over Notre Dame, in the Mission League tournament final Friday night at 7 p.m.

🏀SELECTION SUNDAY🏀

Tune in Sunday (Feb. 4) to the CIF Bracket Breakdown at 11:30 a.m. via the @CIFSS Youtube channel.

I’ll be LIVE to reveal boys and girls basketball playoff information, including top seeds and the Open Division pools.

📺: https://t.co/C7zJRGIZs5 pic.twitter.com/qrSGr81QNY

— Tarek Fattal (@Tarek_Fattal) January 31, 2024

Sterling finished with 18 point and Peyton White added 13. Justin Pippen led Sierra Canyon (24-2) with 17 and Bryce Cofield had 10.

Cofield made two free throws at the end of regulation to force overtime. Crespi (23-6) finished the overtime frame on an 8-0 run.

Crespi, which also has a win over Windward, hasn't been in the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoff chatter at all this season. However, a win like Wednesday night's might inject the Celts into the conversation despite a berth to the almighty division being unlikely.

Nevertheless, win or loss against Harvard-Westlake Friday night, Crespi is looking at the No. 1 or 2 seed in Division 2AA.

Derek Fisher's 'passion for teaching' brings next challenge: Crespi basketball

OTHER SCORES, JAN. 31

Harvard-Westlake 60, Notre Dame: Trent Perry scored 22 points for HW and Mercy Miller had 33 for ND.

Windward 72, Campbell Hall 67 (OT): Gavin Hightower tallied 25 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists to keep the Wildcats unbeaten in the Gold Coast League. A win over Brentwood later this week will give Windward the outright league title.

JJ Harris with the drive and finish to put Windward up two before Nasir Luna hit a 3ball. Place went nuts.

Windward 72, Campbell Hall 67. 24 seconds left in OT pic.twitter.com/JkLjOv65Da

— Tarek Fattal (@Tarek_Fattal) February 1, 2024

CITY SECTION

Cleveland 63, Birmingham 52: The Cavaliers' victory forces a three-way tie for first place in the West Valley League with Birmingham and Chatsworth at 7-2 with one game to play.

Granada Hills 54, El Camino Real 49: Marc Cherfan scored 23 points for the Highlanders.

Chatsworth 77, Taft 54: Alijah Arenas had 29 points and 14 rebounds.

King/Drew 63, Crenshaw 54: Donald Thompson led the way with 23 points. King/Drew is emerging as the team to beat in the City Section, and could earn the No. 1 seed in the Open Division.