Guys from Simi Valley missing in action, for the most part

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Got to admit, the phones were driving me crazy tonight. Seemingly every coach in the Southland called the office to report his, or her, boys’ basketball score from the Southern Section playoffs that took place earlier in the evening. Oddly enough, there was one coach who I didn’t speak with, Christian Aurand of Simi Valley.

Guess that’s what happens when you lose. Yes, the third-seeded Pioneers were upset by host Long Beach Wilson, 78-76, in a Division I-AA second-round game. Suppose I could have looked up his number on my cell and checked in with him after the disappointing setback, but really, there was no need. I’m sure Aurand was busy attempting to boost the morale of his players, and rightfully so.

Besides, who wants to talk to a reporter after a heart-breaking two point loss. I wouldn’t. Must give a shout out to Aurand’s assistant, Ryan Moore, though. He ended up sending me a text message about the outcome, a cool gesture given the circumstances. Anyways, better wrap up this blog. Got a funny feeling the phone is going to start ringing off the hook again...

--Sean Ceglinsky