Last night, the Burlingame Panther basketball team played their long-standing, non-league rival, the Serra Padres. It was a fun, great night!
First of all, the game was sold out! That does not happen too often at Burlingame High School.
Before the game, there was electricity in the air. The stands were packed at 6:30 - a half-hour before the game. It was great to see not only the excited kids, but also many local parents and alumni (I am one, BHS class of 81).
After a rousing edition of the National Anthem, the game began. It was apparent in the first quarter that the Panthers were ready to play. They have lost to Serra 10 straight times, according to my sons. I can't remember the exact score, but I think it was around 8 to 8.
The electricity in the building turned up the heat. They had to open the back door of the gym just to get some ventilation!
The first half ended closely also. It was exciting because it was so close the entire half. As I was sitting with one of my boys at halftime I thought to myself, I am so happy. I'm at a game with my boys at the school I went to and played for. It doesn't get any better than this!
AS the third quarter progressed, Burlingame began to take command, with a small lead after the end of the third quarter.
In the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Panthers tried to pull away, going up by 11 at one point. The Panther cheering section turned up the volume.
The Padres, however, did not give up. If you have followed Serra basketball at all, you knew they wouldn't. The Padres started their ferocious full-court press and forced the Panthers into a bunch of turnovers.
Despite their inability to get the ball inbounded or up the court several times, the Panthers outlasted, the Padres, 49-47.
The players and the Panther students stormed the court after their rousing victory. It was a great sight to see!
After the game, I was talking to my boys, and we all agreed - this game was more fun to watch then going to an NBA game.
If you want to have some fun on the Peninsula, go watch your local high school basketball teams (and Canada College - Coach Diepenbrock has got that team going in the right direction!).
Comments(0)