Varsity Basketball Reaches CIF Playoffs After Victory Against San Gabriel

SIMEON LAM
Staff Writer

As their season comes to a close, the Moors varsity basketball squad prepares not only for the CIF playoffs, but also for their next season. With playoff hopes on the line, the Moors overcame a five-point deficit in the closing minutes to capture a 68-57 win over the San Gabriel Matadors on Feb. 14, placing the Moors in the coveted third seed in the Almont League standings. The third seed is vital because the top three teams in the Almont League receive automatic bids to the CIF playoffs. In front of the Moors are the first seeded Montebello Oilers (8-2) and the second seeded Mark Keppel Aztecs (9-1).

Finishing with a 5-5 record in league, the Moors fought back to gain a position in CIF playoffs. Even before the game against San Gabriel, the boys’ varsity team won arguably their most important game with the season on the line by earning a tough road win at Schurr on Feb. 11 with a score of 48-45.

“This season was indeed long and full of challenges. We took those challenges by fighting through adversity,” senior point guard Tommy Nguyen said. “It feels great to be in the playoffs trying to play for something we can be proud of.”

Last year, the Moors also made the CIF playoffs with a 5-5 record. Unfortunately, their average record put them in a tough place against a Santa Barbara squad, which led to an early exit and left the Moors looking ahead to the next season.

This year, they hope to avenge that loss and get further into the playoffs. The Moors began their playoff journey against the Alemany Warriors on Feb. 21.