Blair freshman Timmy Anderson takes it strong to the hoop during Blair’s second half battle to come back (Photo – Scott Phelps)
Pasadena Blair’s historic season ended in Round II of the state playoffs on Thursday, March 2.
By Scott Phelps
San Pedro jumped out to a big lead early on, leading 31-10 after the first quarter and 49-22 at the half. San Pedro made a high percentage of their shots.
After the half, a lot of pressing by both teams led to layups and open looks on both ends but also steals by Blair. In the opening four minutes of the third quarter Blair cut the deficit to 57 to 39. Blair senior Shakour Sidney led the charge taking it to the hoop several times. Blair continued forcing turnovers and driving to the hoop and converting three-point plays, mounting a furious comeback and narrowing the score to 67 to 52 after three quarters. San Pedro came out strong in the 4th and pushed it back up to a 21-point lead.
Blair had difficulty converting from outside over San Pedro’s zone defense and San Pedro continued to break Blair’s press and man to man defense, hitting several layups and open threes and getting offensive rebounds for second chances. With four minutes left it was up to a 28-point lead, 85-57. With a minute and half to play, and still down 22, Blair subbed out its stars Shakour Sidney and Timmy Anderson to rounds of applause.
Final score: San Pedro 93 Blair 71. Blair fans gave the team a standing ovation for their great run.
Blair cheering section (Photo – Scott Phelps)
Wonderful! Such a great team!