By Dick Dornan
BurbankNBeyond Sports Editor
John Burroughs High School captured Pacific League titles in boys soccer and girls basketball on Tuesday. For the boys soccer program it was their first since 2009. The girls basketball program secured its second in three years after winning in 2011.
BOYS SOCCER:
Burroughs 4 Arcadia 2
Coach Mike Kodama captured his eighth title as the Indians coach and the first for his program since winning back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009.
Manny Celio scored three goals, including two in the first 20 minutes of the game, to lead Burroughs. His first two goals gave JBHS an early 2-0 lead. After leading 2-1 at halftime, the Indians struck again on a pass from Xavi Izquieta to Celio who scored to make it 3-1 at the 55th minute. Izquieta scored 20 minutes later to cap off the scoring. Brian Arzate controlled the pace of the game from the outset.
“I’m extremely happy for the guys,” Kodama said. “It’s been special to see the team’s growth this season.”
Burroughs (13-6-2, 10-3 in league) realized it had clinched the outright league title with a minute left in its match. Crescenta Valley tied Pasadena, 1-1, giving the Indians a five-point lead in the standings with only one contest left to play- at Burbank on Thursday at 3:15 p.m.
“It was a subdued celebration,” Kodama said. “We know there is more for us to come in the playoffs. This team can flat out play. We have a lot of talent and it all came together these last two weeks.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL:
Burroughs 49 Arcadia 45
The Indians claimed at least a share of the Pacific League title with the win at Arcadia. Burroughs (23-3, 12-1 in league) can take the title outright with a win on Thursday at Burbank. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.
“This is the best feeling in the world,” Burroughs Coach Vicky Oganyan said. “It is very rewarding with all the work we put in from last year up to this point to build a strong team. I’m very proud of the girls and happy that they can experience success. It teaches them a great life lesson that hard work pays off.”
Both teams came in with identical 11-1 records in league. How even were these two teams? The game was tied at half, 22-22, and at the end of third quarter, 30-30. It was tied at 36 apiece with four minutes remaining before Burroughs made the victory charge outscoring the Apaches 13-9 to win the contest.
Aysia Shellmire scored 10 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and had three blocks. Davina Del Castillo had another strong outing with seven points, 15 rebounds and five assists; Jakarra Waddell contributed eight points, seven rebounds and five assists; and Sidney Ortega scored 10 points.
“We did a great job executing our game plan,” Oganyan said. “Our defense was solid. We had everyone step up on offense and make huge baskets throughout the game and especially down the stretch.”
