Highlights: Dalayja Floyd-Hurt, Citlali Salazar, Crenshaw take down Palisades in playoff opener

LOS ANGELES – For the first time since the City Section instituted the Open Division nearly a decade ago, Crenshaw girls basketball is an Open Division semifinalist.

The Cougars made a major statement in their playoff opener on Thursday, defeating Palisades 69-52. After the Dolphins led 14-13 when the first quarter ended, it was all Crenshaw from there.

Citlali Salazar had a game-high 22 points for Crenshaw, and Dalayja Floyd-Hurt scored 14 points while dominating defensively as the Cougars owned the turnover battle. Naomi Whitfield scored 17 points, including ten in the third quarter, and Bailey Prewitt added 11.

Taylor Arnold led Palisades with 17 points and 7 rebounds to go with 3 assists. Alyssa Ramirez hit five threes to finish with 15 points, and Elise Arnold totaled 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.