High

It looks like something out of a fairy tale.

It’s easy to see why this was named the best place to live in the UK. It’s got cobbled streets, Tudor buildings, colourful timber-framed houses, bustling market square, and range of independent businesses.

After several days of rain, the sun appeared just as I arrived to walk through the town chatting with locals enjoying the sunshine in the market square, exploring independent shops and admiring the timber-framed houses. This historic Essex town was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in March 2025, topping a shortlist of 72 locations. Judges considered schools, transport, broadband speeds, mobile signals, access to green spaces, and the quality of the high street.

In stark contrast to so many dwindling high streets found across the country, Saffron Walden appears to be thriving with its bustling twice-weekly markets and a town centre that is estimated to be home to over 200 independent shops, cafés and restaurants. In 2024, the high street was also named among Britain’s top 32 by experts from Cheffins estate agents.

The town hosts its market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a tradition dating back to 1141, and it’s a favourite spot for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his son River, with the celebrity chef having spoken in the past of visiting every Saturday. The TV star spoke highly of the community spirit and variety of produce at Saffron Walden Market, which was voted Best Small Outdoor Market in 2018.

He previously said: “I’m so lucky to have one of the best markets right on my doorstep. Saffron Walden is an absolute treasure trove of artisan suppliers, from Dan at Crystal Waters fishmongers to Saffron Wholefoods making incredible ingredients.

“Going every Saturday morning is the highlight of mine and River’s week – he loves it even more than me! We look at what’s in season, what looks good and what’s crying out to be cooked up! It’s a great way to connect with the local community and support the best of the best. I couldn’t love my local market more, make sure you go out and support yours.”

Felicity Norton, who has lived in Saffron Walden for more than 35 years, said the town’s charm has never faded. She said: “I’ve always loved Saffron Walden. It’s changed over the years, but it’s still a lovely, quiet little town.”

The town’s sense of place is rooted in both its history and stunning surroundings, from the grand stateliness of Audley End House and Gardens to peaceful walks through Bridge End Garden, a beautiful restored Victorian garden. The market town’s roots stretch back to at least the Neolithic period, evolving through a Roman-oBritish settlement and an Anglo-Saxon community before expanding under the Normans into a thriving medieval market centre, later gaining wealth and its distinctive name from the flourishing saffron industry of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Despite challenges facing high streets nationwide, Saffron Walden continues to attract a mix of independent retailers alongside well-known names such as Holland & Barrett. While some much-loved businesses and banks have closed over time, the town has welcomed a wave of new ventures bringing fresh energy.

Locals highlighted beloved stores including Between the Lines, Harts Bookshop, Talents gift shop and a number of independent clothing boutiques. Organic coffee shops like Esquires and Chater’s, a bakery, restaurant and cafe which even has its own on-site distillery, are among the places to stop and linger.

We were told by many local business owners that Chater’s must not be missed and that Oliver often goes there. It is known for its bold, seasonal cooking using the best local ingredients.

Among Ms Norton’s favourite spots is Neon Leo, described as “such a fun shop – they sell really different things in there”. Neon Leo is a rental and pre-loved fashion store founded by best friends Mandy Weetch and Abigail North in 2023. Located on Market Row, the shop is truly a world of its own, filled with colour, laughter and positivity. When entering the store, customers are greeted with a beautiful selection of clothing, sequins, glitter balls and art. Ms Weetch told the Express: “Saffron Walden’s got a huge amount of independent businesses.”

Ms North added: “The community is really active. People want to be part of it, whether you’re a business owner or a customer. We’ve never experienced that anywhere else.”

The pair said the town’s collaborative atmosphere sets it apart, with independent shops actively supporting one another and they also highlighted how Oliver comes every weekend to support local traders. Neon Leo hosts events emphasising confidence and self-expression through fashion, a movement they’ve dubbed “fashionism,” celebrating the power of women dressing how they want and defying outdated style rules, whether through small accessories or statement pieces.

“Ultimately, you should wear what you want, wear what you love,” Ms Weetch said.

Burtons Butchers is also beloved by local residents. The longstanding family-run shop serves premium meat products to customers, restaurants, hotels, and catering companies across East Anglia.

Since 2010, more than 1,000 butchers have closed across the UK, and the number of butchers in the UK has generally been shrinking in recent years, according to data sources such as Statista. The town also has a fishmongers, a beautiful independent bookshop and a library. Burtons Butchers was established in 1984 and serves a range of meats including venison sausages and local pork, beef and chicken sausages.

Andrew Northrop, manager of Burtons Butchers, said on market days there’s a great bustle, a “great energy” and “enthusiasm” from people for their town. “People like to see it do well and wish to support,” he added. Jamie Oliver often buys meat from the butchers and comes in with his family. They are proud to be his supplier and enjoy seeing him and having a chat.

Mr Northrop added: “You have to enjoy what you do, and when you’re passionate about it and enthusiastic people respond to that, and enjoy coming in here and the experience of coming in.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

BOYS
CITY SECTION
AMIT 51, Discovery 26
Angelou 85, West Adams 55
Animo Bunche 56, Aspire Ollin 41
Birmingham 74, Cleveland 66
Bravo 60, Eagle Rock 56
CHAMPS 66, Bert Corona Charter 52
Community Charter 54, Lakeview Charter 37
East Valley 57, Fulton 32
El Camino Real 54, Granada Hills 43
Fairfax 77, LA Hamilton 49
Foshay 87, Larchmont Charter 55
Granada Hills Kennedy 62, Panorama 43
Grant 49, Verdugo Hills 47
Harbor Teacher 59, Port of LA 46
Hawkins 70, Locke 38
Hollywood 90, Belmont 21
Huntington Park 58, South East 44
Jefferson 56, Diego Rivera 42
LA Jordan 70, Dorsey 27
LA Roosevelt 53, Bell 31
LA Wilson 55, LA Marshall 52
Lincoln 73, Franklin 45
MSAR 47, Sun Valley Magnet 43
MSCP 71, New West Charter 53
Palisades 76, Westchester 40
Rancho Dominguez 67, Gardena 53
San Fernando 65, Van Nuys 59
San Pedro 78, Wilmington Banning 35
Simon Tech 66, AHSA 22
Smidt Tech 48, Stern 42
South Gate 53, Legacy 38
Sun Valley Poly 65, Arleta 49
Sylmar 95, Reseda 25
University Prep Value 63, Sotomayor 58
Valor Academy 73, Lake Balboa College Prep 33
Venice 64, LA University 31
View Park 60, Dymally 20

SOUTHERN SECTION
Ambassador Christian 84, Summit View West 44
Anaheim 53, Savanna 52
Arroyo 75, Mountain View 46
Banning 61, Cathedral City 31
Bassett 59, Workman 45
Big Bear 72, Indian Springs 62
Blair 78, Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 71
Buckley 84, North Hollywood 77
California 83, Whittier 50
Canyon Country Canyon 90, Castaic 53
Carpinteria 66, Santa Barbara Providence 43
Charter Oak 70, Covina 33
Colony 56, San Dimas 45
Compton 78, Muir 66
Corona Centennial 59, Corona Santiago 38
Crossroads 64, Murrieta Mesa 55
CSDR 45, Sherman Indian 40
Desert Hot Springs 70, Desert Mirage 35
de Toledo 80, International School of LA 33
Eastvale Roosevelt 72, Riverside King 54
Elsinore 82, Temecula Prep 67
Faith Baptist 55, Grace 50
Gabrielino 57, El Monte 21
Garden Grove 41, Buena Park 39
Gardena Serra 54, Verbum Dei 53
Glendora 80, Walnut 67
Hacienda Heights Wilson 50, Northview 43
Hart 64, West Ranch 53
Heritage 68, San Jacinto Valley Academy 45
Heritage Christian 80, Burbank Providence 44
Hesperia 81, Serrano 52
Highland 63, Palmdale 48
Highland Hall 61, Pilgrim 53
JSerra 87, Mater Dei 66
Keppel 70, Alhambra 49
Knight 68, Eastside 42

Lancaster 57, Antelope Valley 46

La Puente 62, Edgewood 60
Long Beach Wilson 59, Long Beach Cabrillo 51
Mesrobian 72, Le Lycée 70
Montebello 53, San Gabriel 41
Nordhoff 52, Villanova Prep 38
Oak Hills 101, Apple Valley 32
Orange County Pacifica Christian 50, Fairmont Prep 46
Pacific 51, Miller 46
Quartz Hill 53, Littlerock 48
Rancho Mirage 68, Palm Desert 63
Redlands Adventist Academy 67, Packinghouse Christian 50
Ridgecrest Burroughs 58, Sultana 44
Rosemead 53, Pasadena Marshall 44
San Bernardino 96, Entrepreneur 46
San Fernando Valley Academy 89, Campbell Hall 43
San Gabriel Academy 73, Capistrano Valley Christian 40
Santa Clara 80, Del Sol 55
Santa Fe 51, El Rancho 50
Santa Margarita 57, St. John Bosco 56
Schurr 59, Bell Gardens 50
SEED: LA 80, EF Academy 67
Segerstrom 52, Godinez Fundamental 48
Summit Leadership Academy 59, Victor Valley Christian 56
Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian 68, Newbury Park Adventist 54
Twentynine Palms 64, Silver Valley 59
United Christian Academy 74, Bethel Christian 51
Valencia 68, Golden Valley 63
Verbum Dei 54, Gardena Serra 53
West Covina 41, Rowland 39
Westmark 64, Summit View 40
Wildwood 60, Lennox Academy 52
Woodcrest Christian 60, Loma Linda Academy 54

INTERSECTIONAL
Buckley 84, North Hollywood 77
South Pasadena 56, Garfield 49

GIRLS
CITY SECTION
AMIT 23, Discovery 8
Arleta 58, Sun Valley Poly 21
Aspire Ollin 28, Animo Bunche 24
Bell 57, LA Roosevelt 13
Birmingham 54, Cleveland 44
Carson 36, Narbonne 23
Crenshaw 62, GALA 57
Diego Rivera 51, Jefferson 20
Gardena 58, Rancho Dominguez 14
Granada Hills 50, El Camino Real 32
Granada Hills Kennedy 61, Panorama 11
Harbor Teacher 80, Port of Los Angeles 21
Lake Balboa College Prep 28, Valor Academy 15
Lakeview Charter 25, Community Charter 21
Larchmont Charter 56, Foshay 29
Mendez 33, Roybal 13
Monroe 41, Chavez 18
MSAR 38, Sun Valley Magnet 29
New West Charter 66, MSCP 15
San Pedro 66, Wilmington Banning 38
South Gate 47, Legacy 41
Stern 32, Smidt Tech 19
Sylmar 58, Reseda 17
Taft 64, Chatsworth 45
Van Nuys 50, San Fernando 37
Vaughn 44, VAAS 25
Verdugo Hills 45, Grant 37
West Adams 43, Angelou 25

SOUTHERN SECTION
AAE 47, Webb 32
Arroyo 52, Mountain View 6
Banning 53, Cathedral City 26
Bethel Christian 37, La Sierra Academy 26
Canyon Country Canyon 65, Castaic 10
Carpinteria 52, Villanova Prep 30
Cate 31, Dunn 22
Charter Oak 58, Covina 31
CSDR 44, Sherman Indian 31
Desert Hot Springs 55, Desert Mirage 27
Eastside 56, Knight 49
Edgewood 40, La Puente 20
EF Academy 45, SEED: LA 33
El Modena 50, Katella 37
Gabrielino 53, El Monte 14
Ganesha 27, Pomona 16
Hacienda Heights Wilson 68, Northview 61
Hart 46, West Ranch 33
Hesperia 59, Serrano 36
International School of LA 44, Mesrobian 32
Keppel 64, Alhambra 23
Lancaster 53, Antelope Valley 23
Laguna Hills 43, Tustin 42
La Sierra 24, Jurupa Valley 17
Lancaster 53, Antelope Valley 23
Le Lycee 37, Archer 29
Loma Linda Academy 50, Woodcrest Christian 40
Lucerne Valley 38, Big Bear 25
Marymount 47, St. Genevieve 35
Miller 28, Pacific 24
Montebello 43, San Gabriel 40
Newbury Park Adventist 69, Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian 20
Oak Hills 68, Apple Valley 21
Packinghouse Christian 43, Redlands Adventist Academy 35
Palmdale 42, Highland 21
Palm Desert 73, Rancho Mirage 14
Quartz Hill 60, Littlerock 14
Rancho Christian 68, Fairmont Prep 64
Ridgecrest Burroughs 71, Sultana 16
Rosemead 48, Pasadena Marshall 17
Samueli Academy 30, Southlands Christian 22
San Bernardino 23, Entrepreneur 10
San Dimas 64, Colony 38
Santa Clarita Christian 52, Legacy Christian Academy 26
Santa Fe 55, El Rancho 37
Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 45, Burbank Providence 36
Schurr 33, Bell Gardens 24
Segerstrom 63, San Clemente 61
Sherman Indian 31, CSDR 44
Silver Valley 61, Twentynine Palms 59
Temecula Prep 41, San Jacinto Valley Academy 33
Valencia 82, Golden Valley 21
West Covina 44, Rowland 34
Westridge 27, Santa Clara 25
Whittier 62, California 33
Wildwood 33, Lennox Academy 15
Workman 30, Bassett 20
Yorba Linda 36, Sunny Hills 34

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
MONDAY’S RESULTS

BOYS
CITY SECTION
Angelou 86, Diego Rivera 46
Animo Robinson 59, Animo City of Champions 57
Bell 56, South Gate 38
Birmingham 74, Granada Hills 59
Crenshaw 52, Dorsey 47
Downtown Magnets 94, Central City Value 62
El Camino Real 66, Taft 60
Fairfax 62, Westchester 44
Fulton 50, Panorama 45
Garfield 34, Legacy 26
Grant 78, Monroe 55
Jefferson 71, West Adams 65
Lakeview Charter 51, Valley Oaks CES 25
LA Roosevelt 57, Huntington Park 42
Los Angeles 67, Manual Arts 26
Marquez 94, Maywood Academy 44
Maywood CES 43, Elizabeth 38
North Hollywood 78, Chavez 24
Orthopaedic 52, USC-MAE 22
Palisades 82, LA Hamilton 45
Simon Tech 48, Brio College Prep 46
SOCES 54, Hollywood 49
Sotomayor 42, Torres 38
Sun Valley Poly 60, Verdugo Hills 58
Van Nuys 69, Canoga Park 51
View Park 52, Harbor Teacher 33
Washington Prep 61, LA Jordan 52

SOUTHERN SECTION
Acaciawood 69, Southlands Christian 58
AGBU 63, de Toledo 53
Aliso Niguel 57, El Toro 46
Animo Leadership 39, AHSA 20
Animo Robinson 59, Animo City of Champions 57
Apple Valley 71, Sultana 50
Arlington 56, Riverside North 46
Arroyo 53, Rosemead 49
Azusa 52, Garey 40
Big Bear 84, California Lutheran 65
Bishop Montgomery 74, Bishop Amat 67
Bonita 70, Ayala 53
Brentwood 71, Viewpoint 56
Cantwell-Sacred Heart 67, St. Genevieve 51
Channel Islands 69, Nordhoff 46
Chino 73, Don Lugo 54
Citrus Hill 67, Vista del Lago 57
Citrus Valley 60, Beaumont 56
Colony 67, South Hills 54
Corona del Mar 59, Newport Harbor 51
Covina 61, Northview 49
CSDR 71, University Prep 66
Crossroads 62, Campbell Hall 60
Desert Chapel 56, Mesa Grande 50
Diamond Ranch 71, Chaffey 56
Dominguez 79, Compton Early College 24
Dos Pueblos 59, Buena 56
Duarte 71, Baldwin Park 34
Eastside 79, Palmdale 56
Edgewood 70, Pomona 13
Fairmont Prep 70, Capistrano Valley Christian 40
Faith Baptist 81, Valley Torah 65
Gabrielino 69, Pasadena Marshall 43
Garden Grove 75, Costa Mesa 44
Glendora 80, Walnut 58
Golden Valley 50, Saugus 28
Hacienda Heights Wilson 51, West Covina 44
Hawthorne MSA 53, Geffen Academy 46
Hemet 83, Perris 55
Heritage 64, Canyon Springs 50
Highland 71, Lancaster 36
Holy Martyrs Armenian 63, Le Lycee 49
Indian Springs 83, Miller 49
Indio 79, Yucca Valley 49
JSerra 78, Servite 53
Keppel 71, Bell Gardens 38
Laguna Hills 65, Godinez 55
Lancaster Baptist 62, PACS 48
La Palma Kennedy 61, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 55
La Puente 54, Workman 32
La Salle 76, Paraclete 30
La Serna 51, Whittier 45
Legacy College Prep 69, Downey Calvary Chapel 41
Long Beach Poly 57, Millikan 66
Los Alamitos 68, Edison 61
Los Altos 83, San Dimas 64
Malibu 81, Fillmore 42
Marina 76, Huntington Beach 72
Mary Star of the Sea 54, Salesian 53
Mater Dei 92, Orange Lutheran 65
Mesrobian 55, Samueli Academy 52
Milken 59, YULA 50
Millikan 66, Long Beach Poly 57
Moreno Valley 62, Valley View 35
Newbury Park Adventist 55, Glendale Adventist 33
Norte Vista 93, Jurupa Valley 58
Ocean View 63, Katella 52
Ontario 63, Montclair 61
Orange Vista 64, Liberty 59
Palmdale Aerospace 75, Trinity Classical Academy 66
Palm Desert 95, La Quinta 32
Palm Valley 56, Joshua Springs Christian 36
Paloma Valley 59, Lakeside 49
Pilgrim 78, Summit View 38
Placentia Valencia 60, Fullerton 43
Quartz Hill 66, Antelope Valley 50
Ramona 94, Patriot 47
Redlands East Valley 83, Yucaipa 55
Rio Hondo Prep 77, EF Academy 39
River Springs Magnolia 65, Temecula River Springs 33
Rubidoux 51, La Sierra 34
San Bernardino 65, Buena Park 53
San Clemente 69, Tesoro 64
San Fernando Valley Academy 51, Highland Hall 39
San Gabriel Academy 62, Newport Beach Pacifica Christian 53
San Marcos 67, Oxnard Pacifica 46
Santa Barbara 71, Rio Mesa 46
Santa Clarita Christian 67, St. Monica Academy 65
Santa Fe 68, California 58
Santa Paula 92, Carpinteria 48
Santa Rosa Academy 63, Warner 46
San Jacinto Valley Academy 51, Nuview Bridge 25
Segerstrom 66, Westminster 25
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 82, Crespi 78
Sierra Canyon 103, Loyola 74
Sierra Vista 69, Nogales 53
Silverado 68, Victor Valley 28
Southwestern Academy 32, Waverly 27
St. Anthony 75, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy 68
St. Bernard 80, St. Paul 65
St. Bonaventure 60, Cate 47
Trabuco Hills 56, Mission Viejo 52
United Christian Academy 65, Anza Hamilton 47
Valencia 67, Canyon Country Canyon 64
Verbum Dei 53, Gardena Serra 50
Westmark 49, Lighthouse Christian 18
West Torrance 74, SEED: LA 42
Woodcrest Christian 74, Desert Hot Springs 26

INTERSECTIONAL
Compton 82, South East 36
Santa Maria Valley Christian 51, Maricopa 44

GIRLS
CITY SECTION
Angelou 31, Diego Rivera 24
Animo Robinson 67, Animo City of Champions 11
Bell 66, South Gate 20
Birmingham 61, Granada Hills 57
Central City Value 56, Downtown Magnets 9
Cleveland 58, Chatsworth 30
Crenshaw 65, Dorsey 21
Eagle Rock 37, Arleta 31
East Valley 24, Fulton 22
El Camino Real 59, Taft 41
Garfield 86, Legacy 23
Grant 72, Monroe 5
Harbor Teacher 68, Hawkins 27
Huntington Park 33, LA Roosevelt 19
LA Hamilton 86, Palisades 83
Los Angeles 40, Manual Arts 26
Marquez 55, Maywood Academy 16
Maywood CES 52, Elizabeth 11
North Hollywood 65, Chavez 16
Northridge Academy 75, Vaughn 13
Santee 61, New West Charter 22
Sotomayor 35, Torres 22
USC-MAE 38, Orthopaedic 15
Venice 75, LACES 37
Verdugo Hills 75, Sun Valley Poly 16
Washington Prep 57, LA Jordan 20
West Adams 59, Jefferson 15
Westchester d. Fairfax, forfeit

SOUTHERN SECTION
AGBU 60, Buckley 33
Alemany 55, Notre Dame Academy 17
Animo Robinson 67, Animo City of Champions 11
Apple Valley 43, Sultana 29
Barstow 36, Granite Hills 17
Beaumont 63, Citrus Valley 55
Bonita 49, Ayala 38
Brentwood 63, Viewpoint 22
Cajon 31, Redlands 26
Calvary Baptist 64, Packinghouse Christian 41
Chaffey 47, Diamond Ranch 34
Chino 66, Don Lugo 25
Claremont 72, Diamond Bar 37
Crossroads 60, Campbell Hall 56
CSDR 50, University Prep 38
Duarte 47, Baldwin Park 40
Edgewood 47, Pomona 11
Gabrielino 39, Pasadena Marshall 19
Ganesha 34, Bassett 22
Glendora 57, Walnut 46
Hacienda Heights Wilson 60, West Covina 44
Hart 54, Castaic 14
Hawthorne 40, Animo Leadership 13
Hawthorne MSA 33, Geffen Academy 25
Heritage 59, Canyon Springs 21
Immaculate Heart 63, Flintridge Sacred Heart 34
Indian Springs 55, Miller 28
Jurupa Valley 34, Norte Vista 17
Keppel 67, Bell Gardens 13
Knight 60, Littlerock 15
Lancaster Baptist 44, PACS 36
La Puente 37, Workman 32
La Serna 71, Whittier 42
La Sierra 36, Rubidoux 4
Liberty 45, Lakerside 41
Los Alamitos 74, Edison 31
Louisville 47, Burbank Burroughs 21
Mater Dei 60, JSerra 46
Milken 58, Burbank Providence 21
Newbury Park Adventist 46, Glendale Adventist 21
Nogales 66, Sierra Vista 47
Northview 55, Covina 46
Oak Hills 69, Hesperia 38
Ojai Valley 38, Pilgrim 34
Ontario 37, Montclair 12
Orange Lutheran 48, Santa Margarita 44
Pacific 53, Entrepreneur 9
Palm Desert 52, La Quinta 40
Paloma Valley 60, Orange Vista 36
Pilibos 56, Shalhevet 51
Quartz Hill 59, Antelope Valley 35
Rancho Christian 105, Hemet 43
Ridgecrest Burroughs 40, Serrano 26
Riverside North 32, Arlington 27
Riverside Poly 74, Perris 10
Rosemead 47, Arroyo 18
Samueli Academy 54, Legacy College Prep 14
San Dimas 58, Los Altos 41
San Gabriel 40, Alhambra 37
San Jacinto Valley Academy 58, Nuview Bridge 32
Santa Clarita Christian 40, St. Monica Academy 34
Sante Fe 48, California 28
Santa Rosa Academy 44, Warner 35
Saugus 54, Golden Valley 36
Schurr 49, Montebello 36
Silverado 37, Victor Valley 32
South El Monte 30, El Monte 11
South Hills 41, Colony 20
Southwestern Academy 37, New Covenant Academy 22
St. Bonaventure 67, Thacher 22
St. Lucy’s 39, Mountain View 15
St. Mary’s Academy 48, Mesrobian 29
Trinity Classical Academy 92, Palmdale Aerospace 23
Twentynine Palms 61, Coachella Valley 22
Valencia 64, Canyon Country Canyon 46
Vista del Lago 37, Citrus Hill 34
Webb 50, First Baptist 17
Westridge 36, EF Academy 33
Windward 55, Archer 24
Woodcrest Christian 52, Desert Hot Springs 39
Yucaipa 90, Redlands East Valley 21
Yucca Valley 50, Indio 36
YULA 68, New Roads 6

INTERSECTIONAL
Panorama 39, Beverly Hills 36
Santa Maria Valley Christian 59, Maricopa 15

South Korean stocks shot up by the most in six years Tuesday, rebounding from the previous session’s deep trough, as investors brushed off concerns over the newly nominated Federal Reserve chair and went bargain hunting. The Korean won also rose against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) climbed 338.41 points, or 6.84 percent, to close at a new high of 5,288.08, a sharp upturn from the previous day’s plummet.

It marked the steepest daily increase since March 24, 2020, when the index rose by 8.6 percent, according to data provided by the Korea Exchange (KRX), South Korea’s main bourse operator.

Trade volume was heavy at 666.5 million shares worth 29.3 trillion won (US$20.3 billion). Winners outnumbered losers 825 to 75.

Strong buying demand triggered the KRX to temporarily suspend stock purchases in early trading.

The temporary halt in trading, also known as a “sidecar” in Korea, came a day after the bourse operator issued a sidecar for sell orders, with the KOSPI plunging by more than 5 percent.

The last time when the KRX consecutively issued a sell-side and a buy-side sidecar was on April 7 and 8, following U.S. President Donald Trump‘s announcement of sweeping tariffs, Lee Kyoung-min, an analyst from Daishin Securities, said.

“As there was no change in the market’s fundamentals, the benchmark index recovered on bargain hunting,” he said.

On a similar note, JP Morgan raised its target for the KOSPI to a range of 6,000 to 7,500 in a report released Tuesday, citing strong delivery in other sectors, such as defense and shipbuilding.

Foreign and Institutional investors turned net buyers, scooping up 703.3 billion won and 2.2 trillion won of equities, respectively. Retail investors sold off a net 2.9 trillion won.

Large-cap shares ended higher across the board.

Market top-cap Samsung Electronics soared 11.37 percent to 167,500 won, while its rival SK hynix advanced 9.28 percent to 907,000 won.

Defense giant Hanwha Aerospace rose 4.84 percent to 1,299,000 won, top carmaker Hyundai Motor added 2.82 percent 491,500 won, and major financial group KB Financial closed up 3.81 percent to 138,800 won.

The local currency was quoted at 1,445.4 won against the greenback at 3:30 p.m., up 18.9 won from the previous session.

Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.

A look at The Times’ top 25 boys’ basketball rankings for the Southland after Week 11.

Rk. School (Rec.); Comment; ranking last week

1. SIERRA CANYON (21-1): Hosts Loyola on Tuesday; 1

2. REDONDO UNION (24-3): Plays at Mira Costa on Tuesday; 2

3. SANTA MARGARITA (24-3): No. 2 seed in Trinity League tournament; 4

4. SHERMAN OAKS NOTRE DAME (18-6): Hosts Crespi on Tuesday in Mission League semifinal; 5

5. ST. JOHN BOSCO (19-6): Top seed in Trinity League tournament; 3

6. HARVARD-WESTLAKE (22-5): Wolverines have lost three of their last four games; 5

7. LA MIRADA (21-6): Matadores can enter playoffs with a 14-game win streak; 7

8. DAMIEN (26-4): Hosts Etiwanda for Baseline League title on Tuesday; 8

9. CORONA DEL MAR (26-1): At Newport Harbor on Monday; 9

10. CORONA CENTENNIAL (24-5): Playing in Big VIII League championship game; 10

11. ETIWANDA (25-2): Rematch with Damien on Tuesday; 11

12. CRESPI (19-10): Wins over Loyola, Harvard-Westlake give Celts playoff spot; 13

13. VILLAGE CHRISTIAN (21-6): Needs win over Maranatha for Olympic League title; 11

14. INGLEWOOD (24-5): Jason Crowe Jr. is averaging 44.1 points; 14

15. CREAN LUTHERAN (21-7): Crestview League champion; 15

16. JSERRA (17-11): Big win over Mater Dei thanks to Jaden Bailes; 17

17. LOS ALAMITOS (18-9): Tyler Lopez having all-league season; 18

18. BRENTWOOD (24-3): Big wins over Crossroads, Windward, Campbell Hall; 24

19. LOYOLA (15-14): Win over St. Francis put Cubs in playoffs; 25

20. ST. FRANCIS (21-8): Two losses to Loyola put Golden Knights on the bubble; 20

21. ORANGE LUTHERAN (18-8): Win over St. John Bosco changes everything; NR

22. ELSINORE (26-0): Unbeaten regular season within reach; 22

23. ROLLING HILLS PREP (21-6): Set for Division 1 playoffs; 23

24. MIRA COSTA (23-4): Can Mustangs put up a fight vs. Redondo Union?; 21

25. SAN GABRIEL ACADEMY (17-8): Faces Pacifica Christian on Monday; 16

South Korean stocks closed a tad higher Friday to extend their winning streak to a fourth session to a new record high as investors scooped of artificial intelligence (AI) shares despite concerns over a bubble. The local currency fell against the greenback.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) inched up 3.11 points, or 0.06 percent, to close at 5,224.3, after rising as high as to 5,321.68.

Trade volume was heavy at 852 million shares worth 34.7 trillion won (US$24.1 billion). Losers outnumbered winners 602 to 278.

Individuals bought a net 2.2 trillion won, while foreigners sold a net 1.9 trillion won. Institutions sold a net 425 billion won.

Investors continued to purchase tech shares despite concerns over a bubble, as their performance has already been proven for robust earnings amid the AI cycle.

“For the time being, AI hardware and software companies need to overcome concerns over their profitability,” Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, said.

“During the period, the market’s preference for chipmakers that sell memory products to such companies will remain strong,” Han added.

The market advance was limited after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to raise “reciprocal” tariffs and auto duties on South Korea back to 25 percent this week.

Top-cap Samsung Electronics edged down 0.12 percent to 160,500 won, while SK hynix set a fresh high at 909,000 won, up 5.57 percent.

Brokerage houses closed bullish amid the market rally, with Mirae Asset Securities rising 4.65 percent to 42,750 won and Kiwoom Securities increasing 4.11 percent to 443,500 won.

Top mobile carrier SK Telecom rose 4.32 percent to 72,500 won on the back of improved business outlook, and its rival KT added 1.43 percent to 56,900 won.

Samsung SDI rose 0.52 percent as the company said it has won a battery supply contract without disclosing details, with the deal widely believed to be related to Tesla Inc.’s energy storage system business.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,439.5 won against the U.S. dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 13.2 won from the previous session’s close.

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

BOYS
CITY SECTION
AMIT 39, MSAR 28
Angelou 76, Jefferson 65
Bernstein 89, Belmont 35
Birmingham 72, Taft 48
Central City Value 58, USC-MAE 46
CHAMPS 54, Lakeview Charter 21
Cleveland 79, Granada Hills 57
Community Charter 54, Valley Oaks CES 41
East Valley 64, Vaughn 48
El Camino Real 66, Chatsworth 58
Foshay 76, Stella Charter 23
Fulton 51, VAAS 39
Garfield 53, Huntington Park 45
Gertz-Ressler 68, Alliance Ouchi 27
Grant 77, Chavez 35
Hawkins 60, Harbor Teacher 42
Los Angeles 76, West Adams 49
LA Hamilton 61, LA University 55
LA Marshall 68, Bravo 45
LA Roosevelt 56, South Gate 30
LA Wilson 83, Franklin 45
Lincoln 43, Eagle Rock 39
Marquez 89, Torres 29
Maywood Academy 45, Maywood CES 41
MSCP 68, Middle College 30
Orthopaedic 46, Animo Bunche 25
Palisades 91, LACES 63
Panorama 64, Reseda 47
Port of Los Angeles 79, Dymally 27
RFK Community 58, Hollywood 56
San Fernando 82, Canoga Park 51
San Pedro 81, Gardena 60
Santee 65, Diego Rivera 45
Simon Tech 66, TEACH Tech Charter 34
Sotomayor 67, Elizabeth 48
South East 71, Legacy 58
Sun Valley Magnet 78, Lake Balboa College 59
Sun Valley Poly 59, North Hollywood 56
Sylmar 86, Van Nuys 55
Triumph Charter 72, Bert Corona 20
USC Hybrid 77, Esperanza College Prep 22
Valor Academy 51, Discovery 25
View Park 60, Locke 36
Washington Prep d. Fremont, forfeit

SOUTHERN SECTION
Aliso Niguel 65, Trabuco Hills 43
Arroyo 74, Pasadena Marshall 41
Ayala 71, Diamond Bar 63
Azusa 73, Baldwin Park 55
Bassett 66, Pomona 34
Bishop Amat 76, Gardena Serra 38
Blair 58, Temple City 51
Bonita 60, Walnut 55
Burbank Providence 66, Milken 55
California 75, El Rancho 36
Chaparral 73, Vista Murrieta 58
Charter Oak 56, Hacienda Heights Wilson 55
Citrus Hill 72, Canyon Springs 37
Covina 42, Rowland 39
CSDR 62, La Sierra Academy 46
Desert Christian Academy 41, California Military Institute 32
Desert Hot Springs 68, Banning 56
Eastvale Roosevelt 94, Norco 51
Edgewood 59, Workman 24
El Dorado 68, Troy 47
Gahr 43, Dominguez 36
Glendora 62, Claremont 47
Hemet 66, Arlington 32
Heritage 68, Lakeside 61
Hesperia 99, Apple Valley 60
Indian Springs 57, Pacific 49
Indio 70, Twentynine Palms 66
JSerra 89, Servite 47
La Canada 76, South Pasadena 45
La Mirada 81, Mayfair 65
La Serna 60, Santa Fe 24
Loara 57, Magnolia 45
Los Alamitos 71, Fountain Valley 52
Los Amigos 72, Anaheim 55
Mission Viejo 75, Dana Hills 56
Moreno Valley 66, Riverside North 44
Murrieta Mesa 71, Great Oak 63
Nogales 56, Garey 43
Norte Vista 86, Rubidoux 44
Norwalk 42, Lynwood 33
Orange Lutheran 72, St. John Bosco 68
Oxnard Pacifica 59, Buena 54
Paloma Valley 56, Vista del Lago 49
Pasadena Poly 47, Flintridge Prep 42
Patriot 56, la Sierra 29
Pilibos 89, Le Lycée 40
Public Safety Academy 74, River Springs Charter 28
Ramona 73, Jurupa Valley 40
Riverside King 69, Corona 61
Riverside Poly 54, Hillcrest 47
Rosemead 46, South El Monte 29
RSCSM 62, River Springs 52
San Bernardino 95, Miller 58
San Clemente 64, Capistrano Valley 37
San Marcos 61, Dos Pueblos 51
San Marino 77, Monrovia 40
Santa Barbara Providence 72, Oak Grove 16
Santa Margarita 74, Mater Dei 73
Sierra Vista 68, Duarte 61
St. Bonaventure 52, Thacher 47
St. Monica 89, St. Paul 53
Tesoro 74, San Juan Hills 39
Valley View 78, Perris 65
Villanova Prep 57, Laguna Blanca 42
Vista Meridian 58, Eastside Christian 34
Westminster La Quinta 48, Orange 46

GIRLS
CITY SECTION
AMIT 27, MSAR 20
Angelou 51, Jefferson 22
Animo Bunche 33, Orthopaedic 24
Arleta 67, Monroe 7
Aspire Ollin 53, Downtown Magnets 9
Bernstein 52, Belmont 4
Birmingham 76, Taft 29
Carson 92, Rancho Dominguez 3
Contreras 28, Roybal 19
Discovery 35, Valor Academy 24
Eagle Rock d. Lincoln, forfeit
King/Drew 85, Crenshaw 20
LA Hamilton 88, LA University 16
Garfield 63, Huntington Park 30
Granada Hills 56, Cleveland 45
Marquez 33, Torres 28
MSCP 53, Middle College 15
Palisades 56, LACES 35
Panorama 54, Reseda 12
San Pedro 42, Gardena 24
USC-MAE 31, Central City Value 28
Washington Prep 79, Fremont 7
West Adams 55, Los Angeles 20
Westchester 83, Venice 44

SOUTHERN SECTION
Arlington 32, Citrus Hill 15
Arroyo 24, Pasadena Marshall 16
Baldwin Park 48, Azusa 39
Bassett 23, Pomona 8
Bolsa Grande 42, Estancia 31
Bonita 34, Walnut 30
Brentwood 59, Windward 57
Buena Park 73, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 10
Cantwell-Sacred Heart 52, St. Mary’s Academy 25
Carpinteria 44, Del Sol 24
Chaparral 52, Vista Murrieta 50
Coachella Valley 54, Yucca Valley 44
Crossroads 45, Archer 12
Desert Christian Academy 47, California Military Institute 30
Desert Hot Springs 49, Banning 42
Desert Mirage 31, Cathedral City 24
Eastvale Roosevelt 58, Corona Santiago 38
Edgewood 49, Workman 22
El Rancho 60, California 47
Excelsior Charter 48, PAL Academy 4
Fillmore 53, Nordhoff 43
Flintridge Prep 58, Mayfield 14
Fullerton 56, Laguna Hills 32
Garden Grove 52, Katella 39
Glendora 55, Claremont 38
Godinez 75, Placentia Valencia 60
Hacienda Heights Wilson 59, Charter Oak 26
Harvard-Westlake 58, Louisville 29
Hemet 45, Canyon Springs 39
Hesperia 59, Apple Valley 21
Hillcrest 58, Riverside Poly 46
Indian Springs 59, Pacific 26
La Canada 54, South Pasadena 39
La Palma Kennedy 30, Santa Ana 7
La Puente 38, Ganesha 30
Liberty 44, Vista del Lago 18
Loara 28, Westminster La Quinta 19
Long Beach Jordan 66, Long Beach Cabrillo 0
Nogales 62, Garey 23
Norte Vista 31, Rubidoux 12
Northview 38, West Covina 36
Northwood 46, Irvine University 26
Norwalk 56, Bellflower 37
Oak Hills 71, Ridgecrest Burroughs 35
Orange 57, Magnolia 13
Orange County Pacifica Christian 69, San Gabriel Academy 18
Packinghouse Christian Academy 47, Bethel Christian 10
Paramount 84, La Mirada 15
Pasadena Poly 56, Oakwood 37
Patriot 42, La Sierra 34
Pilibos 55, Le Lycée 10
Quartz Hill 53, Rosamond 37
Ramona 64, Jurupa Valley 38
Riverside North 36, Lakeside 31
River Springs Charter Magnolia d. Hemet River Springs, forfeit
Rolling Hills Prep 91, Leuzinger 67
Rosemead 51, South El Monte 24
Saddleback 27, Century 22
Sage Hill 65, Rosary Academy 50
San Bernardino 56, Miller 19
San Marino 40, Monrovia 13
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 59, Chaminade 50
Sierra Vista 44, Duarte 42
St. Margaret’s 36, Portola 32
Warren 74, Mayfair 15
Western 52, Garden Grove Santiago 8
Woodbridge 44, Irvine 27

As far as first impressions go, new UCLA football coach Bob Chesney has been hitting the ball out of the park, according to high school coaches who have been receiving visits since Chesney started focusing on introducing himself to local coaches when the college transfer portal closed on Jan. 16.

“He’s a high-energy guy who has a clear vision,” St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said. “He’s going to bring some excitement back. I was highly impressed. If he’s going to execute what his plan is, he’s going to have immediate success.”

There are so many Chesney sightings at high schools around Southern California, you have to wonder if he’s also scouting for a new house, but that’s probably left to his wife. On his visit to St. John Bosco, his driver was former St. John Bosco assistant Marshawn Friloux, a holdover in the Bruins’ recruiting department from the previous staff.

Bellflower coach Keith Miller, whose son, Austin, is one of the top tight ends from the class of 2029, got a school visit from Chesney, who also met Miller’s wife. Austin was offered a scholarship on Saturday after an unofficial visit to Westwood.

Miller said Chesney was eloquent and transparent, telling his son, “I didn’t just watch your film, I studied it and what stood out to me are the multiple efforts you make, especially your ‘scoop and score’ vs. Oxnard. Multiple effort playmakers are special. All great players have that trait. That’s what I love about you.”

UCLA has also been making early scholarship offers far more than the days when Chip Kelly refused to join that trend. Things started to change under former coach DeShaun Foster and Chesney’s new recruiting philosophy appears to be to get UCLA involved among multiple prospects in all grades and be competitive in Southern California, where coaches from USC, Oregon, California, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Oregon State and Washington were among those making the rounds last week while making scholarship offers.

As an example of the challenge Chesney faces, USC coach Lincoln Riley brought in the No. 1 recruiting class this year and was visiting the No. 1 player for the class of 2027 in California, defensive back/running back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson from San Diego Cathedral Catholic.

“I think he’s got a vision and a belief to develop kids and not create this transactional culture in college football,” Orange Lutheran coach Rod Sherman said of Chesney. “I think you’d be a fool to sleep on UCLA the next few years. He’s super personal. What I sense from him is they have well thought out recruiting strategy and they’re not throwing spaghetti against the wall. He knows which kids can be successful in his culture and system and thrive and love UCLA.”

But NIL resources remain critical in this new era, and some players and parents will continue to place that priority over others. That will require Chesney to find those “diamonds in the rough” from his James Madison coaching days.

Negro said, “He’s going to fit to what is needed for the program. He’s not normally going to focus just on the stars. He’s done that at a lower level. He’s going to find some foundational players. It’s going to be hard at first. If people have expectations they’re going to pull an Indiana, that’s premature. But UCLA is closer than people think. This guy is very dynamic, hard-driven and understands L.A.”

Said Servite coach Chris Reinert: “He’s doing things the right way. He seems to be hitting the ground running. He spent an hour here.”

Chesney promised in his opening news conference in December that he wanted to build relationships with high school coaches, and Negro confirmed Chesney is inviting coaches to visit UCLA. That’s not unusual. Reinert said USC’s Riley did the same.

Chesney dropped by City Section school Hamilton, which has a top Class of 2029 quarterback in Thaddeus Breaux. Then Breaux was offered a scholarship. Hamilton coach Elijah Asante said, “Coach Chesney is a grinder and he’s going to find those hidden gems.”

Expect more Chesney sightings this week until the recruiting period closes at the end of this week.

MONDAY’S RESULTS

BOYS

CITY SECTION

Animo Robinson d. University Prep Value, forfeit

Cleveland 76, Taft 60

Downtown Magnets 70, RFK Community 47

El Camino Real 66, Birmingham 52

Garfield 52, South East 34

Granada Hills 39, Chatsworth 37

Granada Hills Kennedy 74, Reseda 31

Harbor Teacher 53, Locke 29

Hawkins 100, Rise Kohyang 9

Horace Mann UCLA 56, Alliance Tajima 30

Huntington Park 63, South Gate 40

LA Hamilton 63, LACES 49

LA Jordan 73, Crenshaw 41

Legacy 51, Bell 44

Los Angeles 52, Angelou 46

Marquez 87, Elizabeth 28

North Hollywood 95, Arleta 52

Orthopaedic d. Annenberg, forfeit

Rancho Dominguez 54, Carson 51

Santee 73, Jefferson 67

Smidt Tech 47, Animo De La Hoya 46

Sotomayor 44, Maywood CES 29

Sun Valley Poly 88, Chavez 25

Torres 49, Maywood Academy 42

Valor Academy 61, Sun Valley Magnet 57

View Park 64, Foshay 63

Washington Prep 94, Dorsey 36

West Adams 66, Manual Arts 59

Westchester 51, LA University 49

SOUTHERN SECTION

Aliso Niguel 61, Beckman 60

Anaheim 50, Garden Grove Santiago 30

Arrowhead Christian 70, Linfield Christian 60

Bishop Diego 69, Del Sol 48

Blair 87, Monrovia 70

Brentwood 70, Crossroads 60

Burbank 64, Glendale 52

Burbank Providence 62, Buckley 57

Carter 78, Bloomington 56

Cathedral 72, Cantwell-Sacred Heart 48

Compton 85, Long Beach Jordan 72

Desert Christian Academy 65, San Jacinto Leadership 25

Eastside 51, Highland 44

Elsinore 64, Paloma Valley 43

Estancia 64, Orange 46

Fountain Valley 51, Huntington Beach 39

Glendale Adventist 45, Ojai Valley 42

Heritage 86, Santa Rosa Academy 49

Indian Springs 64, Arlington 30

Irvine 76, St. Margaret’s 60

Jurupa Valley 47, La Sierra 41

Knight 64, Quartz Hill 46

La Salle 52, Mary Star of the Sea 50

La Sierra Academy 53, Ana Hamilton 40

Loara 42, Century 29

Long Beach Cabrillo 72, Lynwood 50

Long Beach Poly 74, Long Beach Wilson 53

Los Alamitos 86, Marina 69

Mesrobian 61, SEED: LA 53

Millikan 102, Lakewood 39

Mission Viejo 70, El Toro 45

Newport Christian 59, Acaciawood Academy 45

Oxnard 57, Oxnard Pacifica 48

Palmdale 62, Antelope Valley 42

Pilgrim 63, Westmark 53

Ramona 73, Norte Vista 62

Rio Mesa 58, Buena 36

Riverside Notre Dame 80, Eisenhower 71

Rosemead 41, El Monte 21

Rubidoux 47, Patriot 35

Sage Hill 69, Irvine University 57

San Clemente 62, Dana Hills 34

San Marcos 67, Ventura 57

San Marino 62, South Pasadena 44

Santa Barbara 74, Dos Pueblos 59

Simi Valley 76, Grace 41

South El Monte 57, Gabrielino 49

St. Genevieve 71, Paraclete 59

Temple City 52, La Canada 45

Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian 86, Beacon Hill 52

Valley Torah 79, Palmdale Aerospace 68

Westminster La Quinta 65, Rancho Alamitos 55

Woodbridge 63, Laguna Beach 34

Xavier Prep 57, Twentynine Palms 50

INTERSECTIONAL

Castaic 55, Canoga Park 53

San Diego Cathedral 51, Campbell Hall 49

Gahr 52, Bernstein 40

Lakeview Charter 54, South Hills Academy 50

GIRLS

CITY SECTION

Angelou 44, Los Angeles 21

Bell 55, Legacy 13

Birmingham 80, El Camino Real 41

Cleveland 54, Taft 28

Crenshaw 58, LA Jordan 30

Garfield 58, South East 30

Granada Hills 66, Chatsworth 21

Granada Hills Kennedy 76, Reseda 9

Horace Mann UCLA 21, Alliance Tajima 19

Huntington Park 66, South Gate 28

LA Hamilton 74, LACES 23

Marquez 60, Elizabeth 15

Maywood Academy 50, Torres 24

Maywood CES 40, Sotomayor 25

Northridge Academy 59, SOCES 32

Orthopaedic d. Annenberg, forfeit

San Fernando 49, Hawkins 32

Smidt Tech 23, Animo De La Hoya 15

Sun Valley Magnet 54, Valor Academy 7

VAAS 34, Fulton 32

Vaughn 44, East Valley 14

Verdugo Hills 53, Monroe 16

West Adams 60, Manual Arts 13

SOUTHERN SECTION

Alemany 124, Flintridge Sacred Heart 3

Anaheim 62, Loara 47

Arrowhead Christian 56, Linfield Christian 49

Brentwood 67, Crossroads 39

Burbank 59, Glendale 50

Burbank Providence 71, Buckley 30

California Military Institute 48, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac 10

Calvary Baptist 59, Grove School 28

Castaic 80, Southwestern Academy 8

Century 38, Garden Grove Santiago 4

Channel Islands 53, Santa Clara 19

Corona Centennial 76, Los Osos 51

Desert Christian Academy 37, San Jacinto Leadership Academy 33

Downey 51, Warren 35

Gabrielino 52, South El Monte 25

Glendale Adventist 54, Ojai Valley 35

Grand Terrace 67, Colton 9

Jurupa Valley 53, La Sierra 32

La Canada 59, Temple City 31

Lakeview Charter 68, South Hills Academy 2

La Palma Kennedy 62, Segerstrom 53

Long Beach Jordan 53, Compton 24

Monrovia 55, Blair 32

Orange 51, Estancia 28

Pasadena Marshall 47, Mountain View 16

Pasadena Poly 77, Ramona Convent 27

Ramona 62, Norte Vista 15

Riverside Notre Dame 74, San Gorgonio 36

Rosary Academy 64, Portola 37

Rosemead 53, El Monte 16

Samueli Academy 50, Orange County Classical 13

Santa Ana Valley 36, Western 34

Savanna 56, Westminster La Quinta 18

SEED: LA 35, Mesrobian 20

Silver Valley 61, Barstow 35

South Pasadena 55, San Marino 35

St. Monica 65, New West Charter 28

Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian 55, Pilgrim 18

Twentynine Palms 59, Xavier Prep 44

Windward 63, Viewpoint 24

INTERSECTIONAL

Lakeview 68, South Hills Academy 2

San Pedro 48, Dominguez 39

St. Monica 65, New West Charter 28

Brentwood’s Ethan Hill was so sick before Monday night’s basketball game against Crossroads that he searched for an open urgent care to give him an IV.

By the game’s end, when Brentwood came back from an 11-point deficit to defeat rival Crossroads 70-60, the 6-foot-7 Hill was using all of his final energy to dance with the delirious student section that got loud and boisterous and helped inspire the Eagles’ rally.

“I feel horrible,” Hill said as he rested on the floor of the team room afterward blowing his noise. “I’m so fatigued.”

Somehow, he played the entire fourth quarter and made five consecutive free throws to help hand Crossroads its first Gold Coast League loss.

One hero for Brentwood was junior guard AJ Okoh. He finished with 24 points. Crossroads (14-11, 5-1) could not stop him from driving in the second half.

“One of the best point guards in the country,” Brentwood coach Ryan Bailey said. “He doesn’t back down from anyone.”

Brentwood (22-3, 4-1) lost to Crossroads 72-56 on Jan. 9 in one of its worst performances of the season. This time, the Eagles, in front of their home crowd, were determined not to let their former player, Shalen Sheppard, get out of the gym with a win.

The emotions twice resulted in technical fouls against Brentwood players for taunting. At the end of the game when the buzzer sounded, officials ejected Sheppard and Brentwood’s Ryan Howard when they got into a little wrestling match. Crossroads, which starts four sophomores, received 16 points from Evan Willis and 14 from Sheppard.

Brentwood fell behind 32-23 at halftime. That caused Bailey to give a fiery halftime talk.

“I was proud how they fought,” Bailey said. “We had a little halftime speech and they responded and the home crowd was phenomenal.”

Augustus Sugarman aided the comeback with two three-pointers and two free throws in the fourth quarter. There were seven lead changes to start the fourth quarter until Brentwood pulled away.