By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor As predicted, Pasadena’s offense was much more proficient after returning home. The Bulldogs shot 11-percent better from the field than Tuesday night’s defensive struggle at Corona del Mar in the quarterfinals. Three nights later, Pasadena finds itself in the CIF-SS Division 1-A title game, after its 75-66 victory over visiting […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
As predicted, Pasadena’s offense was much more proficient after returning home.
The Bulldogs shot 11-percent better from the field than Tuesday night’s defensive struggle at Corona del Mar in the quarterfinals.
Three nights later, Pasadena finds itself in the CIF-SS Division 1-A title game, after its 75-66 victory over visiting Peninsula.
Bryce Hamilton, despite being in early foul trouble, led the way with 29 points and 9 rebounds in limited second-half minutes.
Hamilton was 11 of 18 from the field, and had a blocked shot and two assists.
Darius Brown II, too, was back to hit hot shooting.
Brown II scored 26 points on 8 of 15 shooting, and he had 6 assists.
He connected on five 3-point attempts.
“Bryce had three fouls and he didn’t play the first five minutes of the second half, but our teammates stepped up to fill the hole, and we’re now in the championship game,” Brown II said. “It is such a great feeling, and we really felt we had the home-court advantage. We really want to thank the student section and cheer team for their support.”
Pasadena will face Harvard-Westlake next Saturday at the Honda Center. The time of the game will be determined by CIF on Saturday.
Darius Mason added 9 points and 7 rebounds, while Jesse Watkins scored 5 points and had 5 rebounds.
Quotable:
Pasadena coach Tony Brooks: “What a great feeling this is! I’m so proud of the team and their ability to persevere and overcome adversity. Tonight, it was foul trouble. I couldn’t start the second half with Bryce carrying 3 fouls. I waited until the last minute to tell him that he was not going to start. Needless to say he was very surprised.
Despite not having him out there, the kids were able to extend the lead back to double digits. That allowed me to keep Bryce on the bench until 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Darius Brown, Jesse Watkins, Darius Mason, Laz Morris and Justin Taylor did an excellent job in weathering the storm. Darius Brown had to hit 2 or 3 threes that put us back in the lead with a little breathing room. Peninsula is a great team with a great coach. As a basketball fan, it has to be a fun game to watch!”
Box Score:
Peninsula: 11-18-17-20-(66)
Pasadena: 20-12-22-21-(75)
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