Young entered Friday’s Red-West game at North Lawndale trying to keep pace with first-place Orr.
The Dolphins got all they could handle in a 70-67 victory over the Phoenix.
The game was tied 32-32 at halftime. North Lawndale led 48-47 with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter before Young went on an 8-0 run to take a 55-48 lead at the end of the third.
Vanderbilt-bound Joe Toye scored all eight points on two three-pointers and a breakaway dunk with two seconds left in the third quarter to key the run for the Dolphins (11-6, 7-1).
The Phoenix (10-9, 2-7) refused to go away as they used a 14-5 spurt at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Wendell Anderson’s basket with 3:49 left in the fourth quarter gave North Lawndale 62-60 lead.
Toye made 5 of 6 three throws down the stretch to seal the victory for Young.
The Dolphins moved into first place in the conference after Orr’s 53-50 loss to Marshall on Friday. The Spartans earned a 68-54 victory over Young last week to move into first in the Red-West.
Young coach Tyrone Slaughter said he was pleased with the way the Dolphins closed out the game.
‘‘We knew what type of game this would be,’’ he said. ‘‘They played us tough the last time. Joe saved us down the stretch, but I was really pleased with our execution and defensive intensity.
Toye finished with a game-high 27 points and seven rebounds. Rodney Herenton had 13 points, and Anthony Mosley added 11 for Young.
Toye said he was not surprised with the strong effort by North Lawndale.
‘‘That is the type of team that they are,’’ Toye said. ‘‘We did not underestimate them. Their record is very misleading. I just wanted to do whatever it took to win.’’
Phoenix coach Lewis Thorpe said his team has to find a way to pull out these close games.
‘‘This has been the story of our season,’’ Thorpe said. ‘‘One or two crucial mistakes has cost us six or seven games that could have gone either way. I believe in this team.’’
Fred Simms scored 21 points to lead North Lawndale. Ken Perkins added 15 points with 12 rebounds and Anderson finished with 12 points.
