Pioneers fall in final
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Pasadena Poly 51, Providence 37: The Pioneers couldn’t stop the Panthers’ Michelle Miller, as the locals fell Thursday in the championship game of their own 14th annual Providence Pioneer Shootout.
Miller poured in 30 points — including 12 in the fourth quarter — to pace Pasadena Poly (10-1) to the victory. She was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
It was the Panthers’ first Providence tournament championship, after falling in the title game in 2009 to Crossroads, 65-58.
Providence (8-4) was able to advance to the title game for the first time in 11 years, having won its only tourney championship in 1999.
This year’s showing was the Pioneers’ best in 11 years.
The Pioneers worked their way to the title game after easily downing Ramona Convent, 53-31, in a semifinal game.
Providence suffered through a slow start against the Tigers and held just a 6-5 advantage after the first quarter.
But Providence came on in the second quarter, outscoring Ramona Convent, 18-10, to take a 24-15 lead at the half.
The Pioneers also played tough defense in the third quarter, outscoring their opponent, 17-2.
Rita Khatchadourian had 14 points and three steals, Ana Solis added nine points and eight steals and Catherine Saint had eight points.
Providence had another easy time in a quarterfinal game, downing Immaculate Heart, 69-42.
Solis came up big for the Pioneers, pouring in 19 points. Khatchadourian added 15 points and Kim Quijano had 10 steals.
The Pioneers jumped out to a 23-6 lead after the first quarter.
Burroughs in 29th annual Magnolia Park Optimist Club Tournament: The Indians ended their own event with a 60-50 victory against cross-town rival Burbank on Dec. 21.
Lisha Elsenbach had 19 points, Shannon Kermah had seven rebounds and five steals and Justice Shank had 15 points to help pace Burroughs.
In a third-round game, Burroughs fell to Monroe, 49-48.
Elsenbach had 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists and Aysia Shellmire had 16 points and five rebounds in the loss.
The Indians also suffered a loss in a second-round game, falling to Calabasas, 48-37.
Elsenbach had 13 points and five steals, Chelsea Rhamdeow had 10 points, Kermah had six steals and Shellmire had 12 rebounds and five blocks.
BOYS’ SOCCER
Burroughs in Pacific League: The Indians opened league play 1-0-1 in their first two matches.
Burroughs began league competition with a 2-2 tie against Crescenta Valley. Mauricio Cortez and Joan Alvarez had goals for the Indians.
The locals followed that up with a 4-1 win against Pasadena. Alvarez had two goals and an assist, Cortez had a goal and an assist and Steven Munoz had a goal.