Bishop Amat High School - Tusitala Yearbook (La Puente, CA)

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Going for a lay-up, senior Stephon Pace gives his squad two power points. Plays such as these helped to reach the C.I.F. final. Coach Alex Acosta cuts the net after the final league game defeating Saint Paul. This gave the basketall team their first Angelus League title since 1974. Senior Geoff Lear attempts to grab the ball from a Mater Dei Monarch. His scoring ability and ter- rific defense made him one of the most valuable players on the team. Using all his strength, senior Terrance Lamb suc- cessfully keeps the ball away from the opposing players. Rebounding gave the team additional opportunities to score. Guarding his opponent, senior Michael Conness prevents the ball from getting into shooting range. A good defense proved to be just as im- portant as an explosive offense. Boys Varsity Basketball 235

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Dominant Force Takes League Crown In the past, we lost games we were supposed to win and we certainly did not want to do that again. The word that summed up the Boys Varsity Basketball season was victory. In just two years, this group was trans- formed into a major basketball power. With a second place fin- ish in the Bosco Tech Summer Hoop Spectacular and first place finishes in three other tournaments, the basketball team was on its way to a record breaking season. The returning starters en- abled the team to defeat many of their rivals. Senior Clarence Lamb explained, This year really brought out the determi- nation 'in all of us. In the past, we lost games we were supposed to win and we certainly did not want to do that againf' Seniors Geoff Lear, Stephon Pace, Ter- rance Lamb, and Clarence Lamb usually scored in double figures. The defense was also graced by the performances of seniors Michael Conness and Paul Davis. Of course, it also took the talents of the rookie members to achieve victory. The coveted Angelus League title was won for the first time since 1974. Before this, the ..n Clarence Lamb Lancers captured the number one spot in the Southern Sec- tion 5A sportswriter's basket- ball poll from dominant Mater Dei. The crowning achievement was the 70-56 victory which ended Mater Dei's 55 league- game winning streak. The C.I.F. playoffs was the next destination. The team dis- played its force by moving into the finals by defeating Bosco Tech, Long Beach Jordan, and Lakewood. Getting into the fin- als was a feat never achieved in the school's history. Prior to the game against Mater Dei, the reigning state champs, Coach Alex Acosta remarked, Al- though we've defeated Mater Dei twice, I can't say that the titleis won for sure. We still have to do our best. To the surprise of many, Mater Dei de- feated the Lancers 74-65. For- tunately, they earned a wild- card spot in the state cham- pionships. However, in the first round, they lost to Manual Arts High School, 94-91. Despite the loss, this remarkable season brought a great deal of pride to Bishop Amat. Boys Varsity Basketball Rowland won Saint Anthony lost Garey won Pasedena won tSaint Bernard won tServite won 'Bishop Montgomery won tkMater Dei won 'Saint Paul won 'Saint Bernard lost 'Servite won 'Bishop Montgomery won 'Mater Dei won t'tSaint Paul won t 'Bosco Tech won HLong Beach Jordan won tt'Lakewood won tHMater Dei lost HHManual Arts lost Overall record: 27 wins 4 losses X Indicates Angelus League Mt Indicates C.I.F. final H Indicates C.I.F. playoff MW' Indicates State playoff Damien High School Tournament Ist place Covina High School Tournament Ist place 2311 Sports Bottom to top: Loren Cannon, Paul Davis, Terrance Lamb, Stephon Pace, Brian Albert, Clarence Lamb, William Wetls, Abraham Tang, Peter Beck, Brian Colliris, Pablo Patino, Coach Thomas Salter, Heed Coach Alex Acosta, Coach Ray Lokar, Manager Christopher Gordon, Ge-oft Lear, and Michaei Conness.

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Junior Rudy Deidrick displays total concentra- tion as he attempts a jump shot over a Monarch from Mater Dei. His talent and skills made him a consistent high scorer. Retrieving the coveted ball, sophomore Keith Parker displays his rebounding skills, Rebounding demanded quick reflexes and exceptional leg strength. Showing effective guarding, junior Christopher Abernathy defends against a Saint Paul player. A good defense made it more difficult for the other teams to score. 236 Sports Surrounded by three opposing players, sopho- more Jeff Martin attempts to shake off the de- fense. The winning season overshadowed the ob- vious difficulties. Sophomore Louis Ruiz dribbles the ball down- court to set up the play. During competition, a player was expected to have exceptional ball control.