The South Pasadena High School varsity boys’ basketball team defeated visiting La Cañada 65-61 in a crucial Rio Hondo League game on Jan. 24.
The victory moved the Tigers up to a share of the top league spot also occupied by the Spartans, who were previously unbeaten in league play before their matchup against South Pas.
Senior Derek Peterson led the offensive charge with a game-high 29 points, one rebound and one steal, while junior Jack Madison poured in 17 points with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Junior Sebastian Martinez registered seven points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block, while sophomore Kaden Anderson tallied six points, two rebounds, one steal and one assist. Junior Jacob Arias recorded three assists, two points, two steals and two rebounds, while junior Oni Balogun chipped in two points, two rebounds and one steal. Senior Russell Williams finished with two points and one rebound, while senior Gavin Faulmino was credited with two assists and one steal.
South Pas picked up a 79-52 Rio Hondo League victory over visiting Temple City on Jan. 26.
Peterson poured in 16 points with one steal, one rebound and one assist, while Arias posted a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. Madison registered 10 points, four rebounds, three steals and one assist, while Faulmino recorded 10 points, two blocks, two rebounds and two assists. Junior Miles Nowe chipped in eight points and four rebounds, Martinez finished with 10 assists, five points, five rebounds and four steals, and senior Aren Barles produced five points, one steal and one rebound. Junior Lucas Miller was credited with three points, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal, while senior Kyle Miao had three points and one rebound. Anderson dished out seven assists with four rebounds, two points and two steals, while senior Taj Ringer collected six rebounds, two points and one steal.
The Tigers defeated host Monrovia 76-26 in a league game on Jan. 30 as Peterson poured in 25 points.
Madison posted a double-double with 11 rebounds and 10 points, Arias scored 10 points, and Martinez registered eight assists and six points.
The Tigers (20-6 overall, 8-1 in league) will host Hillcrest Christian High of Thousand Oaks for its regular-season finale on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. The CIF Southern Section playoff brackets will be released on Feb. 4 at noon. South Pasadena will compete in Division III-AA and is ranked No. 3 in the recent CIF polling.
First published in the February 2 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
