Tim Peterson
By Tim Peterson
Pasadena-Muir in basketball never gets old. The gym is always packed to the rafters with both Pasadena and Muir fans alike and for one night anyway, it seems like the only event in town.
It’s a time to renew old acquaintances as alumni from classes over the last several decades show up wearing their school colors. Parents are there as well as former coaches. And the student sections are out in full force and screaming from the opening introductions until the final buzzer.
It was the same atmosphere last Friday night at the Dog House in Pasadena. “Dog House”. Is there a better name for a gym? The crowd was standing room only, and even that was limited. I was tucked into a corner on the north side of the court surrounded by Muir fans.
Pasadena fans took up probably 70 percent of the seats but in my immediate group it was all Mustangs. “Did you see Hunter though? Did you see Agent Zero?” said a Muir fan sitting next to me referring to Mustang forward Hunter Woods who knocked down a three and blocked a shot in the fourth quarter.
“Hey, how many fouls does he have?” another fan asked of Woods a few moments later.
“C’mon son, you gotta be aware of the clock!” said the same gentleman a minute later when the Muir guard hoisted an ill advised shot. “Man, he can’t buy a bucket!”
Every Muir basket was met with cheers and every Bulldog score was met with grunts and groans as they tried to be heard above the hollers and cheers of the PHS contingent.
The Mustangs hung around for awhile until the Bulldogs started cooking in the fourth quarter and pulled away. Tyrek Adams threw a down a dunk that brought the house down and the Muir fans threw their hands up in frustration.
The Bulldogs eventually iced it late in the game and the home crowd raucously celebrated.
As the game wound down a few Muir fans began to file out. “Where are you going? Where ya’ll going? said a Pasadena fan chiding the Mustang faithful. “It’s not over yet.”
But it was over. At least for this night. For Muir there would be other games but this one belonged to the Dog House.
Muir will get another shot when the two teams hook up again February 11 at Muir. It’s an electric atmosphere. Come out and feel the electricity.
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Still haven’t had your fill of football? The East-West All-Star game is this Saturday, January 30 at West Covina High School. Some players will go on to play at a junior college and others might play at the D-2 or D-3 level. A select few, may even go D-1. But for most of the players Saturday night will be the last time they ever get to put on the helmet and pads. One last chance to hear the roar of the crowd. Kick off is set for 6:00 p.m.
That’s my principle.
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