As we hit the halfway point of the league season, there are quite a few important games taking place today. Here’s a few. If I missed one, please add it here.
Boys Basketball
Almont League
Montebello (19-2, 3-0) at Keppel (14-5, 3-0), 5:15 p.m.
The Aztecs are the only real threat in the Almont League and enter tonight’s game on a six-game winning streak. Montebello, this paper’s top-ranked team, is a big favorite and enter ranked No. 36 in California, according to maxpreps.com
Del Rio League
California (7-11, 2-2) at La Serna (14-6, 3-1), approximately 7 p.m. (after girls game)
It’s a rivalry game, so California has a puncher’s chance. However, the Condors don’t look too good after a 60-52 loss to El Rancho on Wednesday. The Lancers pulled out a gritty win over Whittier Christian and then rolled that momentum into wins over Chino and Santa Fe and enter this game a strong favorite.
El Rancho (7-10, 2-2) at Pioneer (7-14, 0-4), approximately 7 p.m. (after girls game)
It’s easy to have overlooked the Dons, especially after they lost their first two games to La Serna and Whittier. However, El Rancho has bounced back with wins over Santa Fe and California and can cement its No. 3 standing in league with a win over the Titans, who are a disappointing 0-4 in league.
Girls Basketball
Del Rio League
Santa Fe (10-11, 4-0) at Whittier (15-6, 4-0), 5:15 p.m.
This is the game of the week, hands down. These two teams have been starring at each other all during the summer and have been waiting for this game. I’m looking forward to the matchups, Destiny Chavez vs. Tatiana Scott, Tara Salhus vs. Jeana Magana and so on. Both coaches have undersold their teams, trying to throw each other and the media off. It should be a great game.
California (10-9, 1-3) at La Serna (11-9, 1-3), 5:15 p.m.
This could be a do-or-die game. Should either La Serna or California dropped to 1-4 in league, it would hard to see either rebounding to make the playoffs. California had its chances against Whittier and probably should have beaten Santa Fe. La Serna came into league play strong and hasn’t been able to maintain its high level of play.
Suburban League
La Mirada (9-8, 2-2) at Bellflower (7-13, 3-2), 6 p.m.
It’s good to see the Matadores competitive again and fighting for a playoff berth. To get to the postseason, La Mirada will need to beat a quality team like Bellflower, which currently sits in third place in league.
Boys Soccer
Freeway League
La Habra (11-2-5, 2-0-2) at Sunny Hills (11-4-3, 2-2)
Sunny Hills defeated La Habra, 3-1, in the second-to-last game of the season last year to knock the Highlanders out of the postseason. La Habra is retooled and in first place in league, ahead of Sunny Hills.
Girls Soccer
Del Rio League
El Rancho (10-2-2, 3-0-1) at La Serna (5-5-3, 3-0-1), 3:15 p.m.
This is reality versus revival. Today’s match will showcase El Rancho’s legitimacy this season as the Dons have already picked up huge wins this year over Lakewood, Montebello and over California last week. Now they look to slay the beast at La Serna. As for Lancers, did you really think they wouldn’t be a factor in league play? Sure, La Serna’s season started out in poor fashion. The Lancers are back now and can reassert their dominance in league with a win.
