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Pasadena, Muir Bounced Out Of State Playoffs
Pasadena Independent Mar 20, 2018
- Courtesy Photo / Pixabay
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– Courtesy Photo / Pixabay
By Aaron Valdez
While it was fun while it lasted, Pasadena’s version of March Madness concluded last week as both the Pasadena Bulldogs and Muir Mustangs were knocked out of the CIF State Championships.
The eliminations marked the end of each team’s grueling but successful season. Their up-tempo and flashy play on the hardwood created a massive buzz around town.
After claiming the Pacific League crown and then losing in the CIF Division I Southern Section finals to Chino Hills, Pasadena was given another shot at glory in the CIF State Championships. The Bulldogs made their way past Narbonne and Taft in the first couple rounds but were foiled once again by none other than, Chino Hills.
However, the Bulldogs gave the Huskies a much tougher time in their regional semi-final bout. In that game, Pasadena fell short by only three points compared to the 16-point beating suffered in its first meeting with Chino Hills.
Since then, key players Darius Brown and Tavian Percy have chosen to continue their athletic careers with new programs. Brown committed to Cal State North Ridge while Percy will play for the AAU’s Compton Magic, a nonprofit 501C corporation.
Muir High School, Pasadena’s cross-town rivals, also enjoyed a successful campaign in 2018. The Mustangs were runners-up in the Pacific League standings with a 12-2 record.
Muir battled its way to the Final Four of the CIF Division II Southern Section playoffs but was ousted by eventual champion San Marcos. Despite the loss, the Mustangs ended up getting their revenge sooner than anticipated.
Much like the Bulldogs, Muir qualified for the CIF Division II State Championships where they also met the team that had eliminated them in the Southern Section playoffs. However, the Mustangs were the ones to come out on top this time, vanquishing San Marcos 58-54.
The Mustangs then moved on to the second round for a game against Brentwood School. Unfortunately, this would be Muir’s final appearance on the court this season as Brentwood trounced the Mustangs 72-61.
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