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Saying he’s “thrilled,” South Pasadena High Athletic Director CB Richards, with help from the California Interscholastic Foundation (CIF), announced the post-season schedule for the school’s winter sports on Sunday.
The Tigers will host four first-round CIF-Southern Section playoff games this week, including boys’ soccer, girls’ water polo and both boys’ and girls’ basketball. “I am thrilled to share the outstanding success of our winter sports teams this season,” said Richards in an email.
- On Monday, February 5, at 5 p.m., Chaminade High will take on South Pasadena in a CIF Division 3 Wildcard boys’ soccer game.
- On Tuesday, February 6, at 5 p.m., the Tigers’ girls’ water polo team will face Etiwanda in a CIF-SS Division 4 contest.
- On Wednesday, February 7, at 7 p.m., the SPHS boys’ varsity basketball team meets Sunny Hills.
- On Thursday, February 8, at 7 p.m., Glendora High’s girls’ basketball team comes to town to meet South Pasadena.
Richards said South Pasadena High’s winning the Rio Hondo League boys basketball championship is notable because the last time the feat was accomplished dates back to 1993 – a 30-year span.
Adding to that outstanding effort effort, the boys and girls varsity basketball teams combined for a sterling 46-10 overall mark, the boys going 22-6 and girls – which also won the Rio Hondo League title – showcasing a 24-4 record.
“This accomplishment stands as a significant milestone for the Tigers,” noted Richards in his email. “Furthermore, it likely signifies a historic moment in SPHS school history, as both the boys and girls Basketball programs have clinched outright Rio Hondo League Championships in the same year, boasting a combined 19-1 record in the league.”
It marks the fourth straight season the girls’ varsity basketball team has walked off with the league crown, going 8-0 in 2021, 9-1 in 2022, 10-0 in 2023 and 10-0 in 2024.
The Tigers’ boys’ varsity soccer team finished 7-4-3 overall, including 5-2-3 in Rio Hondo League play for third place. The girls’ varsity water polo team wound up 14-10 overall, 6-4 in league, also grabbing third in league.
The only winter team not to move on after the regular season was the SPHS girls’ varsity soccer team, going 5-7-2 overall, 1-6-1 in league to finish fifth. It won’t be long before that “resilient young team,” said Richards “looks to learn from the game experience this year and come back strong next season.”
For now, however, the South Pasadena High AD has a busy week of prep sports ahead of him on campus.
“I look forward to the upcoming CIF playoffs and witnessing the continued success of our teams,” said Richards, in his first year overseeing the school’s athletic program. “Looking forward to making some shining memorable moments for the winter Tigers! Our student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, reflecting the values instilled by our dedicated coaching staff. I am incredibly proud of their achievements both on and off the field. Hosting four home playoff games this week is particularly special and showcases the competitive spirit and excellence of our teams. It also provides an exciting opportunity for our South Pasadena community to come together and support our Tigers.”
