December 13, 2021
Since returning from Thanksgiving break the Spuds have been busy.
On Monday November 29 the boys basketball team had its first game of the season, playing against Glendale Academy at the Newbury Park Adventist Academy Winter tournament.
Led by juniors Ethan Chen and Lucas Felipe the Spuds fought back and forth against Glendale, with neither team ever facing a double-digit deficit in the the contest. Unfortunately the Spuds would fall 51-48.
Tuesday November 30 was a busy day for all winter sports teams. The boys soccer and girls basketball teams traveled to Summit View. 
The boys soccer team dominated the Eagles 16-0, and everyone scored. Girls basketball won in an impressive fashion as well, allowing just four points throughout the entire game and winning 23-4. The boys basketball team had their second game of the NPAA tournament against the Westmark Lions, winning 69-43. The Spuds displayed great energy on the defensive end and shared the ball very well on offense in both games.
As the calendar turned to December the Spuds continued to compete on the soccer field and basketball court. Boys soccer continued to win on road, snatching a 4-0 over Gorman Learning Center. Boys basketball also grabbed another victory in NPAA tournament, beating Beacon Hill 39-37. Unfortunately for the Spuds it would be their last win of the tournament as they lost in the final four to Newbury Park Adventist.
“It was a great feeling going out there and competing at a championship level,” said one-guard Ethan Chen, “We were underdogs heading into the tournament and in the end we earned respect as a team.”
JV boys basketball had their first game of the season on the fourth. They compet
ed against nearby foe, Thacher. Only up a couple baskets heading into the fourth quarter and ramped up the intensity on the defensive end highlighted by freshman guard Liam Stevens how had back to back steals that would lead to points for the Spuds. As the clock ran out the scoreboard showed 29-22 in favor of the Spuds.
This past week boys soccer continued to win. Beating Pilgrim on Tuesday at home by a final score of 5-2 and grabbing another road victory on Thursday against NPAA, defeating the Gators 4-1. The Spuds are 5-0 in league play good enough for sole possession of first place.
“I think I can speak for the team when I say that we completely deserve to be in first place,” said junior Eugene Fisher. “We work hard in practice and that shows in games. The hard work feels worth it when you keep winning, and we keep winning.”
They are also currently ranked 9th in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 standings.
“We have a team who supports and fights for each other,” Eugene would later add when asked about how the recent victories have improved the team’s comradery. “When someone has success it feels like you also have success. I think that’s what our team is about.”
The Spuds won’t be back in action until 2022 where the boys and girls basketball team will compete against Pilgrim, while boys soccer heads to face off against San Fernando Valley Academy.
November 13, 2021
This week the Spuds opened their winter sports season.
On Tuesday, November 16, boys soccer hosted Villanova to kick off the season.
Unfortunately the score did not end up in the Spuds’ favor, as they lost 2-0 in the gritty match-up against the Wildcats. They showed heart, hustle, and determination on the field. With a short amount of practice time as a full team, due several athletes participating in last weeks’ CIF cross country prelim, the Spuds lacked communication and on-field chemistry.
However that changed quickly prior to their next contest.
On Thursday, November 18th the Spuds travel to Westmark. The Spuds started off hot, scoring 5 of their 6 goals in the first half, led by senior Alexander Manning who scored 3 times prior to halftime.
Junior Hyunung Choi added 2 goals in the first half as well and Senior Ryan Farrell scored the last goal for the Spuds. With a dominant 6-1 victory on the road heading into break the Spuds are feeling confident for their next match-up on November 30th against Summit View.
“Our first game was a good learning experience,” said Alexander Manning, “In our second game we had some leaders emerge and meshed together as one.”
The girls basketball team played their season open on the 18th as well.
The Spuds traveled to Newbury Park Adventist Academy on Thursday. Alas the score did not fall in favor of OVS. Senior Lucia Rodriguez Clemente led the charge for Spuds, sophomore Donahi and followed with baskets of their own.
“Thursday was a great experience for us,” said coach Gretchen Wachter, “Having a team with so few players who played basketball prior to OVS we put up a great fight and are looking forward to our upcoming games.”
Following their return from Thanksgiving break the Spuds will be back in action on Tuesday, November 30 where boys soccer and girls basketball face off against Summit View and boys basketball opens its season on the road against Newbury Park Adventist Academy.