Boys’ basketball: A charging foul saves Windward in Alpha opener

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L.A. Windward (10-5) came into its Alpha League opener against host North Hollywood Campbell Hall on Tuesday night as a prohibitive favorite after reaching the championship game last week in the Torrey Pines tournament.

Little did the Wildcats know how tough Campbell Hall (5-9) would play. A charging foul that guard Charles Dawson took against Aaron Holiday with 1:03 left saved the Wildcats, who hung on for a 67-61 victory. Holiday drove to the basket and made the shot and seemed on the verge of going to the line for a three-point play when the officials waved off the basket with Windward ahead, 63-61.

‘That could have been the game-winning shot for them,’ Windward Coach Miguel Villegas said. ‘Dawson did a great job taking two charging fouls. He saved the game at the end.’

Added Campbell Hall Coach Steve Wachs: ‘We want to get to the rim. We were not thrilled with the call.’

It was no surprise that Dawson gave up his body, since he did it all season for Windward’s football team.

Nicholas Stover was impressive on offense for Windward, scoring 31 points. Cole Huff had a huge game for Campbell Hall, scoring 30 points, including five three-pointers. He also had 12 rebounds. Holiday, a freshman, had 19 points and showed maturity in distributing the ball to teammates.

-- Eric Sondheimer