La Cañada boys’ basketball cruises past San Marino to wrap up Rio Hondo
LA CAÑADA — Long-range shooting that has been an integral part of the La Cañada High boys’ basketball team’s season helped secure the outright Rio Hondo League championship in the season finale on Thursday night.
The Spartans hit 10 three-pointers to pace a balanced offense that had four players in double figures in a 62-48 home victory over San Marino.
La Cañada clinched a share of the league title going into the game with the Titans, but it was evident early that the true goal hadn’t been reached yet.
“We knew it was our last league game and we could win it outright,” Spartans forward Ryan Graves said. “The offense gave us momentum early. We were focused and ready.”
“We were excited, especially the seniors,” Patric Panoosi added. “We played as hard we can.”
Graves and Panoosi each put in 14 points to lead the team. Panoosi finished with a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds.
Graves was hot early, connecting on three three-pointers in the first quarter, as the Spartans led by nine after the first quarter.
The offense cooled down in the second quarter, making just three field goals. The Titans, meanwhile, used a 14-0 run in the frame to erase La Cañada’s double-digit lead.
San Marino’s Chuma Azinge and Michael Shahan led the way in the comeback and finished the half with 23 of the team’s 27.
The game was tied at halftime.
“The offense was just standing still in those eight minutes when they made their run,” said Spartans Coach Tom Hofman, who has won 26 league titles in his tenure.
The third quarter played similarly to the first, with the Spartans starters controlling the game against San Marino’s. Panoosi, who hadn’t found his touch yet, made two long balls in the third to get in rhythm.
Jivan Shirvanian chipped in with eight points in the quarter, while providing energy and helping regain momentum. He finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, including a put back to give the Spartans a 48-37 lead at the end of the third.
The margin would not dip below double-digits in the fourth.
Panoosi and Graves started the final quarter with back-to-back threes to give La Cañada its largest lead of the game at 17.
“In the second half, we moved the ball better “ Hofman said. “Patric made some shots. The ball was in and out a lot and we getting a little frustrated. We can’t show frustration in the playoffs.
“Everybody played well for 24 minutes, it was just those eight minutes. San Marino is a good team. I told the guys they’re better off playing a tough team going into the playoffs.”
Kristan Cotango finished with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds for the Spartans.