In a commanding performance, the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines defeated the Crespi Celts 80-53 on January 9, 2026, at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino. This victory improved Harvard-Westlake’s record to 19-2 overall and 2-0 in league play, while Crespi fell to 14-7 and 1-1.
Harvard-Westlake started the game with remarkable intensity, quickly establishing a significant lead. The Wolverines shot 9-of-11 from the field in the first quarter, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, which propelled them to a 24-9 advantage. Senior Joe Sterling, who previously played for Crespi, led the Wolverines with a game-high 26 points, complemented by seven rebounds and six assists.
Wolverines Maintain Momentum
Coach David Rebibo expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, noting their improvement and cohesion. “I’m proud of our guys; they’re getting better and showing great connectivity,” he said. “We just have to keep getting better and focus on Alemany. That’s our focus and mantra.” The Wolverines will face Alemany in their next game, which marks the beginning of a challenging stretch.
The Celts initially struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 2-of-19 from three-point range throughout the game. Despite this, they made a concerted effort to narrow the gap in the second quarter, reducing the deficit to single digits. Isaiah Barnes and Cayman Martin each scored 17 points for Crespi, while Jasiah Williams added 12 points and three rebounds.
Key Contributions and Future Challenges
While Crespi’s defense managed to force 19 turnovers, Harvard-Westlake’s shooting prowess allowed them to maintain their lead. Additional contributions came from Harvard-Westlake’s Amir Jones, who scored 13 points, and Cole Holden, who added 14 points along with seven rebounds and four assists. Pierce Thompson also made an impact with 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
As the season progresses, the Wolverines are focused on maintaining their winning streak. “Any league win is huge for us, and we’re just trying to keep the win streak going,” Sterling said. The upcoming match against Alemany is expected to be a critical test as they aim to build on their current momentum.
