Sometimes there are seasons that have a player that sets a new elevated standard.
For the South Pasadena High School boys varsity basketball program, senior Rod Khollesi delivered one that achieved, and belongs in the permanent record.
At 6-foot-5, Khollesi became the focal point of a young Tigers squad this season — not simply as a consistent scorer; but also a natural leader and stabilizing force. While South Pasadena navigated the growing pains of inexperience of this years team, Khollesi authored one of the most statistically dominant individual campaigns in school history.
The 52-Point Night – A New SPHS Record Set
South Pasadena High vs. Temple City High.
A Statement made: Khollesi scored 52 points, breaking the South Pasadena single-game scoring record.
He attacked the rim, absorbed contact, and converted repeatedly from the free-throw line. By the final whistle, the scoreboard reflected a new chapter in Tigers history.
Head Coach Ernest Baskerville marked the occasion with commemorative T-shirts featuring Rod on a custom “$52 bill, in Rod We Trust” distributed to staff and family — a fun, commemorative tribute to a serious achievement.
A Season Built on Skill, Talent, and Consistency
If the 52-point performance was the headline, the full season is the deeper story.
According to season stats totals:
• 768 total points — in the top 10 Seniors in the state
• 27+ points per game
• 201 free throws made — ranking #6 nationally, #3 state
• 9 double-doubles
• Average 8 rebounds per game
768 points in a single season is not an anomaly. It is sustained production across months of competition. It may be the most season points in the State – check back on that one.
The 201 made free throws reflect both physicality and discipline. Getting to the line requires aggression and confidence. Converting at that rate requires composure. Late in games, when pressure builds and legs are heavy, free throws separate scorers from leaders.
Khollesi converted.
Carrying the Load in a Young Season
South Pasadena fielded a young roster this year, still building chemistry and experience in league play. In matchups throughout the season — including contests against Monrovia High School and Blair High School — Khollesi consistently served as the offensive anchor.
During stretches when the Tigers snapped losing streaks and built momentum at home, it was his scoring and rebounding that steadied the floor. Even in difficult contests, his output rarely dipped. Averaging more than 27 points per game is not an occasional breakout performance. It is a season-long standard.
The Complete Student-Athlete
Statistics alone do not define legacy.
Khollesi carries a 3.8 GPA, balancing academic rigor with the demands of varsity competition. Coaches and parents have described him as a role model for younger players — a senior who leads by example and supports teammates through a developmental season.
Coach Ernest Baskerville has called him ‘possibly the best student-athlete he has ever coached’ in his 30 year career.
On a team that leaned heavily on youth, Khollesi provided steadiness — with his natural positive, competitive, no ego attitude. Coach Ernest: “…Even the 7 games we lost, we were close – most less than a five point spread. Khollesi kept his drive and competed to win and was a true team player…”
SPHS Tigers Varsity Basketball Season Stats
South Pasadena’s regular season schedule has concluded, and the SPHS Tigers will not advance to the CIF Southern Section playoffs. But it was close.
The real fight was won in the stats and in the palpable Esprit de Corps of a solid basketball program. Khollesi made us proud.
The numbers are permanent:
• 52 points in a single game — school record
• 768 points in a season
• 201 free throws made — among the top marks nationally
• 27+ points per game
• 9 double-doubles
• 3.8 GPA
What’s Next for Rod?
His goal is to continue playing at the collegiate level while pursuing degrees in engineering and business — ambitions that mirror the discipline he has already demonstrated.
