Titan boys basketball managed to advance to the second round of the CIF this season, after a very competitive Rio Hondo League season. The Titans managed a very strong 23-7 record, going 5-5 in league, with strong wins against Bosco Tech, Flintridge Prep, and La Cañada. The league season was a roller coaster, filled with tight, thrilling matchups including two heartbreaking losses to Blair by single digits, a low scoring five point loss at the hands of La Cañada avenged by a later three point home win over the Spartans, and an unfortunate sweep for the South Pasadena Tigers in the rivalry series. Despite this, in the regular season the Titans only had one loss that did not come at the hands of a Rio Hondo League opponent, being Sumner from the state of Washington, in 62-53 game during the Titans winter break tournament in the deserts of Arizona. “I’m proud of how we did,” said Leo Shyr, 11. “We were tough to beat all season long.”
When CIF came around, the Titans traveled to San Bernardino to take on the Indian Springs Coyotes in the opening round. Despite the long trip, the Titans came to play, pouncing on the Coyotes with a thirteen point victory, advancing to the second round for a home duel against a very strong Alemany. Alemany, hailing from the Mission League, competed against three of the top 25 ranked teams in the nation, being Sierra Canyon, Harvard-Westlake, and Notre Dame. They also had multiple players above 6’7”, something the Titans could not compete with. Skill can be taught, but size simply cannot. The Titans put up a valiant effort, but the Warriors pulled away late, securing a 66-49 victory for Alemany. “We tried to contain them but their big men just overpowered us,” said Mitch Mooney, 11.
This season may have played out differently if it weren’t for injuries to seniors Adrian Huang and Dean Ryan early in the season. However, the past cannot be changed, and despite a tough ending to the year, a 23-7 finish is nothing to be ashamed of. The Titans even made it in the top 25 rankings for all of Southern California made by the Los Angeles Times one week during the season. Next year, the Titans will lose Ryan and Huang, along with other seniors Eli Chin, Jayden Tse, Jack Fuerst, Bobby Reyes, and Michael Najarian. However, returning will be starters Mooney and Casey Chan, 11, alongside key role player Marco Rangel, 10, Marcus Chen, 9, Nick Chen, 10, and Nick Sung, 11. Titan basketball is primed to continue this years’ success into next season and build upon the strength the program has seen over the past decade.
