Freshman Will Conroy delivers winning three for Village Christian

It was a scene only found in a Los Angeles gym. On the baseline of the Village Christian court Monday night, two fathers who played in the NBA stood side by side cheering and coaching their sons. USC assistant coach Will Conroy, the father of Village Christian freshman Will Conroy Jr., and Matt Barnes, the father of Crespi twins Isaiah and Carter Barnes, continued to try to lead their sons to victory.

In the end, it was Conroy, who just turned 15, who made a three-pointer from the top of the key with 2.4 seconds left to break the tie and lift undefeated Village Christian to a 78-77 victory over Crespi. Conroy finished with 28 points, including the final two baskets for Village Christian (4-0), showing composure and confidence in pressure situations.

“I train all the time specifically for those moments in the game,” Conroy said. “It’s like a normal shot for me.”

Crespi (4-1) played without head coach Derek Fisher, who had a scheduling conflict with his duties as a TV commentator for NBA games. Former Moorpark and Chaminade coach Ryan Moore, a Crespi assistant, took over. Isaiah Barnes had 27 points and Nickon Daei 21 points for Crespi, who later this week faces JSerra and Redondo Union in a tough three-game road matchup.

Village Christian got help from 6-foot-11 Deion Lewis and Aaro Salo, who each had 15 points. The Crusaders have players from Brazil, Mexico and Finland this season. But the biggest addition of all is Conroy, a point guard with a big future.

Inglewood 95, Cypress 80: Jason Crowe Jr. continued his quest for the state’s all-time scoring record, finishing with 50 points for Inglewood.

Cleveland 81, Blair 65: Sergine Deme finished with 36 points for the Cavaliers.

Long Beach Millikan 59, Beverly Hills 55: Freshman Quali Giran had 25 points and JoJo Wicker had 20 points for the Rams.

Mira Costa 69, Chadwick 24: Paxx Bell had 17 points for 6-1 Mira Costa.

Eastvale Roosevelt 94, Murrieta Valley 58: Freshman Travis Walton Jr. scored 36 points for Roosevelt.