Burbank boys’ basketball too much for Flintridge Prep
BURBANK — A few months removed from its most successful season in program history, the Burbank High boys’ basketball team is in a bit of a rebuilding stage.
There might be some new players on board to fill some different roles for the Bulldogs leading into the upcoming campaign.
Leo Tahmasian, a sophomore guard, might be among those in line to contribute. Tahmasian finished with 11 points Monday to help Burbank to a 49-39 victory against Flintridge Prep in a Providence High Summer League contest.
“The team did so well last year and you want to find ways to contribute and that’s what I’m doing this summer,” Tahmasian said. “I’ve been seeing improvement with my game overall, but I know I really can’t be satisfied.
“[Burbank coach Jamayne Potts] is an excellent coach and I’m giving it my all during practice and games. You want to earn it.”
Burbank, which finished fourth in the Pacific League last season behind Pasadena, Muir and Crescenta Valley before advancing to the CIF southern Section Division III-A championship game, also received 11 points from Sevak Mkrtchyan to turn aside Flintridge Prep.
Burbank, which reached the CIF Southern California Division IV Regional semifinals last season, held a 28-16 halftime lead.
Burbank jumped out to a 13-0 lead less than eight minutes into the contest.
“We started the game off well,” said Potts, the reigning All-Area Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year. “We were able to make some shots early.
“I’m not really in to wins or losses right now. We’re looking to find some guys who can contribute. Leo is one of our younger players and he can shoot and pass the ball well.”
Tahmasian made a short jump shot from the left side to give the Bulldogs a 13-0 lead with 12:35 remaining in the first half. Flintridge Prep, which finished second in the Prep League last season behind rival Pasadena Poly before qualifying for the postseason, got on the board on a layup by Brandon Gunning with 11:45 to go.
Jared Pasion of Burbank hit a floater from the left side as time expired in the first half.
Mkrtchyan scored on a layup to give Burbank a 35-17 lead with 17:45 left in the second half.
Flintridge Prep got a game-high 17 points from AJ Nicassio, who made a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 41-25 with 11:45 to play. Flintridge Prep could get no closer than 48-39 with about a minute remaining.
The Rebels also got nine points from Gunning.
Flintridge Prep assistant coach Rudy Bojorquez said the Rebels are trying to find the right lineup combinations during the summer season.
“Right now, it’s an opportunity to get some playing time and get a much better idea of what they can bring to the team,” said Bojorquez, who filled in for head coach Garrett Ohara. “We try to get a better idea of where we stand and we’ve had a pretty good summer so far.
“We just got out of rhythm early in the game and that’s because we weren’t running our offense well.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
