Arcadia High School (AHS) faced off against Pasadena High School (PHS) in their Pacific League opener on Dec. 10, showcasing an intense and physical matchup in front of a packed home crowd and student section. The Apaches pulled away with a victory and a final score of 58–53, defeating PHS.
The first quarter of the game started off even for both teams, with PHS scoring the first points of the night. Senior Mateo Ingersoll responded with a two-point shot shortly after. Five minutes into the first quarter, AHS was down, 4-7. To end the first quarter, Ingersoll connected on a three-point shot at the buzzer which cut PHS’ lead to three points entering the second quarter.
PHS started off the second quarter aggressive, holding the lead and scoring an additional four points to make the score 12-17. PHS senior and Texas A&M commit Josh Irving scored two of the four points connecting on two made free throws. AHS sophomore Owen Eteuati-Edwards scored a total of 18 points himself, cutting PHS’ lead to one point. AHS was fouled on several possessions, allowing the Apaches to hit huge free throw shots. This let the AHS take the lead going into the second half, with a score of 26-22.
After the halftime break, Edwards immediately hit a tough fadeaway midrange jumpshot to start the third quarter that extended AHS’ lead to six points. The remainder of the third quarter was very physical, with both sides playing great defense and getting stops. Irving of PHS was shoved into the stands and hurt fighting for a loose ball. He ended up checking out of the game with about seven minutes left in the third quarter, but re-entered shortly. The Apaches’ physicality and tough shot making on offense allowed them to hit key shots down the stretch and slowly pull away, extending their lead as the game approached the six minute mark. AHS played great full court defense which pressured PHS to call a timeout right before receiving a 10 second violation call.
“It felt great playing in this game, my main goal is to play to win, and play to be great and be dominant,” said Edwards.
Entering the final quarter of the game, players like Edwards and freshman Nick Wallace stood out for AHS. Wallace’s elite three point shooting was crucial for the Apaches, while Edwards’ smart playmaking allowed him to get Irving fouled out of the game late in the fourth quarter. The Apaches closed out the game with a slam dunk by Ingersoll. Edwards led the Apaches in scoring with 18 points on the night and a huge Pacific League opener win in front of a packed home crowd and student section.
