Eagles hoping to turn things around in tournament

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Can’t imagine I’m the only one still finding it hard to believe that Chaminade struggled to open the season, losing its first five games and six of nine overall. Let’s just say, that kind of lackluster beginning isn’t typical of a Bryan Cantwell-coached team. Never has been, never will be.

Make no mistake, redemption is on the minds of everyone in West Hills this week. And the Eagles got started off on the right foot Wednesday at the Chaminade Christmas Classic with a 65-36 victory over Arleta. Now, whether they continue their newfound winning ways remains to be seen.

‘Honestly, the kids were just plain lazy, flat-out lazy when we got things started this year,’’ Cantwell said. ‘I fixed that in a hurry, though. I lit a fire underneath their butts. We put on football pads and everything. They needed to toughen up and we are now. We’re finally finishing games.’’

Chaminade looks to make it two in a row Thursday against Monroe. Beyond that, a semifinal showdown against the winner of Lancaster and Moorpark looms as a possibility Friday. An appearance in Saturday’s championship game at 6 p.m. could be enough to make most, perhaps some, forget about the unforgettable start.

-- Sean Ceglinsky