It’s no longer a “man’s world,” at least not on the hard court this winter. With Burroughs High boys’ basketball going through another long stretch in the Pacific League (1-10 overall and three consecutive 20-point plus defeats) and with Burbank boys’ basketball also struggling (3-8 in league and two games back in the playoff picture with three to play) hoop fans in the city of Burbank should turn their attention to the girls’ basketball Pacific League race the rest of the way.
Burbank is enjoying a stellar season, 14-10 overall and 8-3 in Pacific League play. Although they cannot catch undefeated Muir, the Bulldogs have a one-game lead over Arcadia for the second slot in the eight-team league. The two teams play on Tuesday, February 7 and the Bulldogs most be focused and not overlook the Apaches with crosstown rival Burroughs High on the schedule two days later.
Burroughs is just 5-6 in Pacific League play but that is still good enough for a three-way tie with Crescenta Valley and Pasadena for the fourth and final playoff spot with just three games remaining. Adding to the drama is that Pasadena had to forfeit a win over undefeated Muir for the use of an ineligible player creating the long jam in the middle of the pack.
Pasadena and Muir will rematch on the season’s final day with the Mustangs looking to secure an undefeated season. That is good news for the Indians and the Falcons who stand to benefit. However, neither team has it easy on the season’s final day with CV playing its rival, Arcadia, who is still very much alive for second place, and the Indians having to play Burbank.
Burroughs could be playing for the right to go to the post season after a 25-5 Pacific League championship season last year, while Burbank could be looking to lockdown the much coveted No. 2 slot and to sweep its rival for the first time in two decades when they clash on February 9.
Aysia Shellmire leads the Indians with a 15.6 points-per game average and a 9.6 rebounds-per game. By comparison, no one else on the squad averages even six points per game. The Gonzalez duo lead the Bulldogs with Damarie Gonzalez averaging just a tick under 12 points per game and Jamie Gonzalez averaging 10 points per game for Burbank. Checkback for feature stories on all three players next week.
