Sports Notebook: Providence boys’ basketball uses challenging schedule for improvement

PROVIDENCE BOYS’ BASKETBALL UPS GAME

The Providence High boys’ basketball team doesn’t shy away from tough competition.

In fact, the Pioneers embrace it.

Last season, Providence scheduled high-caliber nonleague opponents and played in competitive tournaments to get ready for league and the playoffs. That formula worked wonders, as the Pioneers advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division IV-A championship game and the team won two games and advanced to the regional semifinals of the state tournament.

Again this season, Providence, under coach Brandon Lincoln, which has been moved up to Division III-AA, is playing a tough schedule in hopes it will pay off later in the season.

The Pioneers have faced, among others, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Brentwood, Oak Park, Loyola, Fairfax and Taft.

Although the team is 7-4, games like those should have it battle tested when it defends its Prep League championship, as well as for the playoffs. Providence opens league play Jan. 10 at home against Flintridge Prep.

“We are surrounded by some very good schools that are very competitive and playing good teams kind of puts the blueprint out for us for where we really want to go,” Lincoln said. “If we want to get better and grow as a team, we have to go out and seek those challenges.

“Even if sometimes we’re going to face some adversity, we definitely want to learn from that.”

SON TAKES OVER FOR FATHER ON PITCH

Many might have thought that the Burroughs High boys’ soccer program would be in trouble after longtime coach Mike Kodama had to step back and relinquish his daily duties to concentrate on his health.

But the Indians have been competitive early in the season, thanks to a familiar name.

Stepping up and filling in for his father is Mitchell Kodama. The Indians are 2-3-1 and 1-0-1 in the Pacific League.

Mitchell grew up around the Burroughs program and watched the Indians teams thrive under his father, whose squads captured 11 league titles, advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division III championship game in 1994 and whose players have garnered 35 All-CIF honors.

Mitchell was also a talented player for his father at Burroughs, earning All-Pacific League honors.

Although Mike has been dealing with health issues, he has not disappeared completely this season. In fact, he has been in attendance for many of Burroughs matches.

BASKETBALL TEAMS RANKED IN CIF POLLS

Three local basketball teams are ranked in this week’s CIF Southern Section polls.

Heading the list is the Providence High boys’ team, which holds down the No. 2 spot in Division III-AA behind Salesian.

The Burroughs girls’ squad is ranked No. 13 in Division II-A and the Providence girls are 13th in Division III-A.