Chatsworth boys basketball soars into showdown with Westchester in City Open Division final ...Middle East

ECHO PARK — Chatsworth senior guard CJ Gore dribbled the ball down the right side. With a quick look and precise pass, Gore connected with Alijah Arenas, who smashed the ball through the rim, sending the Chatsworth faithful roaring.

The Gore and Arenas connection elevated the Chancellors to a 77-47 victory over Palisades in the City Section Open Division semifinals Monday night at Roybal Learning Center. The duo combined for 45 points.

Chatsworth’s CJ Gore goes around his back as he drives to the hoop against Jack Levey of Palisades in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Chatsworth’s Salomon Torres grabs a loose ball against Jack Levey of Palisades in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Chatsworth’s Alijah Arenas gets by Devin Carey of Palisades in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Jack Levey of Palisades looks for a pass while guarded by Taj Unuakhalu of Chatsworth in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Jack Levey of Palisades is guarded by Salomon Torres of Chatsworth in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Chatsworth’s Xavier Banuelos defends Devin Carey of Palisades in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Tommy Pickens of Palisades looks for help as they fall to Chatsworth in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Chatsworth’s Alijah Arenas gets to the rim as they defeat Palisades in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Kye Davis of Palisades is defended by Tekeio Phillips of Chatsworth in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Chatsworth’s CJ Gore goes around his back as he drives to the hoop against Jack Levey of Palisades in the CIF L.A. City Section Open Division semifinals Feb. 24, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

The Open Division championship game is now set in stone, with top-seeded Chatsworth set to face Westchester on Friday at 8 p.m. at LA Southwest College. It will be a showdown between Arenas, who scored 31 points Monday, and Comets standout Tajh Ariza, who scored 20 points in a victory over Cleveland 68-57 in the other Open semifinal Monday.

Gore emphasized the game’s importance to him and two other seniors on the team, center Taj Unukhalu and guard Salomon Torres.

“We all got together and were like ‘this is our last year we might as well make the best of it,’” Gore said. “I know all of us have different things going on for college, but right now we’re just trying to enjoy ourselves.”

Chatsworth led at the end of all four quarters, and instantly hit the ground running. Gore got off to a hot start, serving as the team’s spark plug.

Gore’s most important contribution might have been on defense. The senior stuck to Palisades guard Jack Levey like a piece of gum on a hot sidewalk. Gore held his Levey to zero points in the first quarter, consistently fighting under screens and picking up the guard full court.

“We have scorers, we have rebounders, I know my job is to stop the best player,” Gore said. “Every night I come out with my goal to stop their best player, no matter what.”

The 6-foot-8 Unukhalu finished with 21 rebounds.

The Chancellors didn’t have much success beyond the arc, as they made only 5 of 19 3-pointers. The Dolphins were equally bad from distance, making 3 of 16 3s.

Seeing the inefficiency from deep, Chatsworth coach Sam Harris told his team to take closer shots.

Chatsworth’s offensive bread and butter came from two sources, the short corner and the free throw line. The Chancellors made 18 of 21 from the free throw line.

Play after play, Chatsworth players put their head down and drove to the lane, setting up a midrange shot or earning a trip to the line.

Arenas facilitated Chatsworth’s offense. When he didn’t have the ball in his hands, he stood at the top of the key, setting screens to create open looks for playmakers.

Gore said the game emphasized the partnership between him and Arenas, particularly the alley-oop play in the second half.

“That’s my guy,” Gore said. “I know what he’s good at, he knows what I’m good at. We’re close off the court and when we’re on it’s just natural.”

Palisades had moments of brilliance, particularly early on. Senior guard Tommy Pickens led the Dolphins with 14 points. He also had a highlight-worthy block in the second quarter, meeting the opponent at the rim.

Pickens’ teammate, junior Kye Davis, also had a decent showing. Davis played without fear, taking contested layups and midrange shots.

While Palisades’ Open Division run ends in the semifinal, the team’s season is not over. The program has a guaranteed spot in the state playoffs.

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