Boys Basketball displays strong showing in playoffs
Christian Wise ’23 outleaps an opponent at the tip off against Inderkum
April 4, 2023
For the boys basketball team, this season did not end as they had hoped. On March 4, they were eliminated from the CIF NorCal Division I state tournament in the Semifinals against Granada, two wins away from the finals in Sacramento.
The Crusaders cruised through WCAL league play strongly, and capped it off with a win on the road against Sacred Heart Cathedral, capturing a share of the WCAL title along with Archbishop Mitty. Both schools finished with a record of 12-2.
In pool play of the CCS playoffs, however, Riordan fell to SHC and beat Menlo-Atherton and Sacred Heart Prep. The loss to the SHC in the first round cost the team the chance to advance to the CCS finals and defend their title from last year.
After their showing in CCS, the Crusaders were seeded #4 statewide for CIF NorCal state playoffs. The team started off strong, with a win against Campolindo 57-46 in Round 1. However, the strong showing by the Crusaders took a turn when they faced Inderkum in Round 2 on March 2. What was a dominant performance by the Crusaders over the Tigers at home with the band playing along was cut short when the game was called with 1:15 left in the 4th quarter due to an altercation on the court.
The next day, the CIF decided that the final score would stand at Riordan 61, Inderkum 52. Furthermore, they also decided that Riordan wouldn’t host any remaining playoff games, causing the team to play on the road at the ninth-seed Granada’s home court.
Five players being suspended by the CIF hindered the Crusaders against the Matadors, leading to a heartbreaking loss 69-57.
Despite all this, the Riordan community has been warm and extremely supportive of the team, in light of all the adversities they faced, knowing all players, managers, coaches, and anyone else involved with the program are hardworking, dedicated, and caring individuals.
Coach Curtin and the entire team hope to come back better and stronger, ready to conquer WCAL, CCS, and State next season.
