Local High School Hoopsters Make History In Playoff Run

The City of La Verne can boast high school sports superiority, as three of its top basketball programs made deep playoff runs (and history) this weekend.

La Verne Lutheran boys’ basketball team upset then unbeaten and top seed of its division Bishop Montgomery Friday night 63-59 to punch its ticket to the CIF Division 4AA championship game.  The Trojans were on an 18-game winning streaking going into the encounter.

"We talked about not getting recognition, about all the hard work with no pay," La Verne Lutheran head coach Brandon Lee told the Daily Breeze. "Today we cashed the check."

The Trojans (25-6) look to avenge last year’s loss as they once again face Serra (24-6).

Damien’s boys’ basketball team made history by qualifying for its first ever championship game as it defeated Corona Del Mar 61-53 Friday night.

The Spartans has made it as far as the semifinal round each of the last three seasons, but that trend was broken this past Friday.

"It's a great feeling (to get to the finals)," Dunn said. "I thought our guys played great. Corona del Mar is a great team. It was a war right to the end, so I'm really proud of our guys."

The Spartans (24-6) faces Santa Margarita (16-14) for the 3AA title.

Bonita’s girls’ basketball team duplicated Lutheran’s feat, as it beat then unbeaten Cajon High School Saturday night 60-47 to advance to the semifinals.

Cajon had to come from behind in most of its victories, but its coach Mark Lehman warned them not to bank on that fact.

“Our girls thought they could do that tonight, but I told them one of these nights it's not going to happen," Lehman said. "The other team's not going to let you come back." 

Bonita took the early lead and never looked back as they broke the game open in the third, allowing only six points by the opposition.

Bonita (25-5) welcomes  Lynwood (22-5) in Tuesday’s semifinal.