Novogratz Leads Harvard Westlake to State D-4 Title

Division 4 State Finals: Harvard Westlake 66, Palma 49

By Brandon Tatera

Wolfgang Novogratz scored 26 points and 8 rebounds to lead Studio City Harvard-Westlake to a 66-49 win over Salinas Palma for the CIF Division 4 State Championship on Saturday afternoon at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento.

The Wolverines never trailed in the game. They scored the game’s opening four points en route to leading 35-18 at the half with leads of 20+ points throughout the second half.

This is the school’s third state title and first in 19 years.

This is also first year head coach David Rebibo’s first title after numerous state tournament appearances at El Camino Real, including winning the 2012 Los Angeles City Section Division 2 Championship. He had a one year stint as an assistant coach at the University of San Francisco between his stint with the Conquistadors and Wolverines.

The Wolverines won a game between teams that had unique playoff runs. Harvard-Westlake lost in the CIF Southern Section 4AA semifinals and Palma lost in the first round of the CIF Central Coast Section Open Division first round.

Harvard-Westlake was efficient and accurate from the beginning, shooting 46.7% in the first half, however the key was their defense.

“Our defense carried us throughout the start of the playoffs” said Rebibo, whose team held their last four opponents under 50 points scored.

They played stifling defense in the first half as Palma had a 21.4% shooting percentage and while shooting 33% in the game. The Wolverines also dominated the turnover margin forcing 19 turnovers, while committing only five of their own.

Palma head coach Kelley Lopez praised the depth of their opponent, “Those guys were so solid 1-8.”

The Wolverines had three double-figure scorers with Novogratz, Cassius Stanley, and Carter Bagel.

Novogratz was assertive from the start with 18 points in the first half en route to the game high 26 points. The lone senior starter controlled tempo and was aggressive with the ball finishing at the rim and through traffic.

The highlight of the game was by the team’s most notable player, Stanley. The 6’5 talented freshman had 16 points with 2 in style.

He hit his neck on the backboard as he caught an alley-oop from Novogratz on a pass from half court. Said Stanley, “This was my best alley-oop dunk of the season.” He showed some of his elite athleticism, passing ability, one on one offensive skills.

Bagel had 14 points in the game. The junior was strong defensively and hit a team high two three pointers.

Palma was led by Wyatt Maker. The 6’8 senior forward who has signed with Division 2 Cal State East Bay had a team high 18 points and game high 9 rebounds. He had 16 of his points in the second half.

Jamaree Bouyea was also in double figures for the Chieftains with 11 points. The junior guard showed impressive feel for the game and passing ability despite having 6 turnovers.

Harvard-Westlake seemingly had complete control of the game from about the middle of the second quarter.

The Wolverines led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter. Novogratz had 11 points as he led the scoring by finishing with the dribble through traffic. Bouyea had five of his team’s seven points in the quarter.

Harvard led 35-18 at the half. Novogratz had another strong quarter as he had 7 points. Begel had two three pointers in that quarter. They led by parts of 20 points in the final half of the game.

Rebibo’s 27-8 Wolverines return 4 starters next season, including Stanley. The lone senior being the player of the game on Saturday, Novogratz. The Wolverines should be highly ranked in the 2016-17 preseason rankings.

Palma is now 26-5 and 1-2 in the state championship.