Boys’ basketball plagued by turnovers against La Cañada, loses 76-43

By Ryan Nakamura

Staff Writer

Photos by Tucker Judkins

The boy’s varsity basketball team fell to La Cañada High School at home with a final score of 76-43 on Friday, February 5. The Tigers are now 3-5 in Rio Hondo League.

South Pas controlled the tipoff of the game to set up its offense in the game but couldn’t produce results after missing the first shot. The Spartans made quick work of the Tigers defense and shifted the ball to knock down a three pointer early in the quarter. La Cañada never looked back after leaving South Pas scoreless for most of the first quarter. The Tigers first points came from senior Alex Nakagawa after sinking two points for South Pas, followed a few possessions later by a three point jump shot from junior Lucas Fox. The Spartans fired back and held a dominant first quarter score of 24-5.

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The Tigers returned to the court at a dire need for points. La Cañada answered the Tigers with intense man-to-man defense on the ball handler and forced South Pas convert multiple turnovers. The Spartans took advantage and scored layup after layup on fast breaks. Nakagawa contributed two three pointers to the Tigers, but the lead was too overwhelming for South Pas to overcome. Sophomore Jaylen Park gave the Tigers their last points of the half with a two pointer off the glass for a halftime score of 39-18.

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The Tigers started out the second half strong with a three pointer from Fox. The South Pas defense improved as well and they managed to shrink the Spartans lead to 16. La Cañada managed to regain control of the game however and continued to extend their lead. The Spartans continually drew fouls and sank shots from the free throw line. Nevertheless, the turnovers from the first half proved to be the Tigers’ downfall in the end. South Pas could not shake off the sloppiness in its passing and conceded the victory to the Spartans by the final score of 76-43.

South Pasadena will face off against the Temple City Rams in its final home game of the season on Tuesday, February 5.