For the second consecutive year, Varsity Boys Basketball fell in the Elite Eight of the CYO playoffs, as they lost to Holy Name of Mary of San Dimas. This came after the Falcons had breezed through the first three rounds of the playoffs, winning by a total of over 50 points.

The final game of the season came about much like last year’s finale. The game opened with few baskets in the first five minutes of each half, but the scoring picked up as the halves ended. The teams traded the lead several times in the first half, with the Falcons taking a five point lead at 15-10, and neither team had a lead larger than 5 points in the opening half. There were no major warning indicators, as the Falcons went to halftime with the game tied, at 17. The Falcons opened the second half slowly, and fell behind by five points in the first five minutes of the final half. The Falcons never recovered from the deficit. They tried to make a comeback, but never closed the gap. The game finished with the Falcons down by 6, with the score 34-28.

Boys Varsity had mostly cruised their way to the Elite Eight, after their opening playoff minutes. They fell behind 7-1 in the first game on Saturday, February 21, seemingly on the edge of a humiliating upset against St. Bede at Mater Dei High School. After a timeout, the team woke up, going on a run that put them ten points up at halftime. The lead kept growing after halftime, leaving the Falcons up by 22 with ten minutes left, with the remainder serving as a formality on the way to a 20 point victory.

The next day, the Falcons played against Resurrection, who they beat in a game high on drama last year. The rematch at Damien High School was much different. The Falcons opened an early ten point lead, and won by 25 via the mercy rule in a game that resembled last year’s game in only the result.

Next, after playing in cavernous gyms for their first two games, the Falcons took a major step down in the gym size when they played in the gym at St. Pius X/St. Matthias Academy. The difference in the way that the Falcons played was nearly nonexistent, as the Falcons blew out St. Finbar by 15 points.

The Falcons had another strong season, and next year’s outlook looks good. The only winter sport still in progress is Girls B Basketball, which ends soon. Spring sports have started, with the first track meet last Sunday (3/8), Girls Softball beginning last Thursday (3/5), and Boys Volleyball beginning this week.