Girls’ basketball: League rivals Washington and Carson to meet in a semifinal Thursday night

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Thursday night will mark Washington Prep’s fourth consecutive Division I City Section semifinal appearance, but this one seems different.

‘This is the proudest I’ve been of any team,’ Washington Coach Ricky Blackmon said.

The Generals were not expected to go far this year after three players, including two seniors, transferred to other schools.

But Washington refused to fulfill that prophecy.

The Generals claimed the Marine League championship with only seven players, three of whom are returnees.

‘This is the most fun I’ve had coaching,’ Blackmon said.

Washington (22-10) defeated Crenshaw, 44-31, in a quarterfinal game on Tuesday to reserve a semifinal spot against Carson (20-8) Thursday at 7 p.m. at Washington High.

The league rivals have split the results of their earlier meetings this season. Washington won, 61-50, on Jan. 13, and Carson claimed a 65-42 victory on Feb. 3.

Win or lose, Blackmon will be happy.

‘This has given us a chance to put a positive light on the good things happening on this campus,’ Blackmon said.

In another Division I semifinal tonight, Taft (16-8) will play at Narbonne (21-9) at 7 p.m.

-- Melissa Rohlin