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It was only a first round playoff game, but it was a big one –feeling like a title match, in fact, – as South Pasadena High’s girls’ basketball team knows it was a huge win after handing visiting Glendora a 56-52 loss in CIF-Southern Section 2AA action Thursday night.
The Tigers, continuing their dream season, improved to 25-4 with the victory, left everything on the floor in getting past a fierce opponent in Glendora, finishing the season with a 25-5 mark after sharing the Palomares League crown with Claremont and Bonita.
Breaking the tie, Glendora entered the postseason as the third place team in league, but hardly played like it.
When it was over, SPHS Athletic Director CB Richards, like nearly everyone in the Tigers’ fan base, knew the Tartans were one talented bunch and among the favorites to win it all – as in the CIF-SS championship.
South Pasadena and Glendora were both top quality opponents, not wanting to end the season with a loss. “The success of the girls’ team can be attributed to their strong teamwork, resilience, and execution on both ends of the court,” said Richards of the Tigers performance. “Their ability to work together effectively and remain focused under pressure has been instrumental in their victories. Playing in tougher tournament games throughout the season helped build the experience to play with a great team like Glendora.”
South Pasadena is set to go up against Flintridge Prep on Saturday, February 10, a 7p.m. Should theTigers knock off the Wolves they will move on onto the quarterfinals.
Dylan Tse led all scorers with 22 points for South Pasadena while teammate Kayla Boozer contributed 13, along with 18 rebounds and four blocks.
The Tigers held a narrow 33-32 advantage at the half and seemed to be in control, going on a 19-4 run in the third period and holding a 52-36 lead at the start of the fourth quarter. Glendora, showing a never say die attitude, climbed back in it, scoring 10 straight points to open the final period and made a game of it. But South Pasadena, outscored 16-4 in the period, made enough key shots and free throws down the stretch to hold onto at the finish.
“Despite Glendora’s efforts to narrow the gap in the fourth quarter, South Pasadena maintained it’s composure and secured the win,” explained Richards. “It’s worth acknowledging the competitive spirit displayed by both teams in what was undoubtedly an exciting and thrilling game. The South Pasadena Girl Tigers continue to impress with their dedication and performance, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the playoffs.”
