The Boys Varsity Basketball team started Rio Hondo League play with a 5-2 record. The Rams are currently in third place, trailing the La Cañada Spartans and South Pasadena Tigers.
The team bounced back from a 69-58 loss to La Cañada on Jan. 28 by beating the Monrovia Wildcats for the second time on Jan. 30. The Rams outscored the Wildcats 23-7 in the second quarter, providing them with the momentum they needed to cruise to an easy win in the second half. The team extended their streak by defeating Blair 93-55 on Feb. 4.
“I think this year, we have a lot more skill and size than we usually have,” Junior Richard Hollinger said. “We have a solid chance of winning league, but from here on out, we have to step up our game and beat La Cañada and South Pasadena.”
The Rams started off league with their first win against the Wildcats on Jan. 14 by a score of 74-47. They followed up their effort with another impressive victory, defeating the Blair Vikings by a score of 81-67 on Jan. 16.
The team suffered its first lost of the season on Jan. 21 to South Pasadena. The Rams had a strong second half, but started the game slow, eventually losing by a score of 77-69. However, they came back with a strong victory against the San Marino Titans at home on Jan. 23.
During the offseason, the Rams addressed roster change issues by having team bonding events and improving team chemistry. These techniques were apparent in their positive preseason record of 9-7.
“During the preseason, we attended TeamUp, a team bonding camp held at UCI,” Co-captain Senior Nate Nuguid said. “After the event I can wholeheartedly say that the bond I have with my teammates is pure and powerful. And it shows on the court. We trust each other and always play together.”
Despite improved teamwork, the Rams face a challenging season due to heightened competition from other schools, as well as injuries within the team.
“South Pasadena and La Cañada are our greatest threats right now,” Nuguid said. “But with this year’s league, we can’t overlook any teams. Each team can beat one another; I’ve never had a league that was this competitive.”
The Rams lost Senior Michael Le for the season after he sprained his ankle and developed Accessory Navicular Syndrome. Senior Clinton Quach returned after being taken out when he tore a ligament in his ankle. The Rams hope they can overcome these injuries and improve their record to compete for the league title.
“We’re a really good team; we have the definite potential to get first,” Le said. “The problem lies in which team shows up to play: the lazy, selfish team, or the team that works hard and acts as a team. If we play to our potential, few can beat us.”