City Section playoff basketball: Sho Evans helps Cleveland win in OT - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Eric Sondheimer

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Cleveland High secured an thrilling overtime victory over Fairfax in the City Section Open Division semifinals, thanks to sophomore Sho Evans' crucial contributions. After missing a potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation, Evans bounced back in overtime, scoring five of his seven points in the extra period. His decisive basket with 50 seconds left, combined with a free throw, proved pivotal as Cleveland outlasted Fairfax 68-64. The Cavaliers' win sends them to the final, where they will face top-seeded Palisades on Friday. The game was tightly contested, with both teams showing resilience. Cleveland's Charley Adams led with 24 points, while Fairfax's Ketrayl Roberson and Chris Stokes scored 15 and 13 points respectively. The Cavaliers' ability to overcome turnovers and pressure from Fairfax's defensive switches kept them in the game. A late free throw by Harout Posheyan sent the game into overtime after regulation ended tied at 61-61, setting the stage for Evans' heroics. Cleveland's victory is a testament to their mental toughness and teamwork. Despite being underdogs against Palisades, who defeated San Pedro by a significant margin earlier in the semifinals, the Cavaliers have shown they can compete with the best teams in the City Section. Evans' confidence and clutch shooting, along with key performances from Adams and Posheyan, highlighted the team's unity and determination. This game matters because it showcases the excitement and unpredictability of high school basketball playoffs. Cleveland's ability to rally in overtime not only advances them in the tournament but also adds drama and intrigue as they prepare for their clash with Palisades. Fans and sports enthusiasts will be eager to see if the Cavaliers can pull off another upset in the finals, continuing their impressive run.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/22/2026