The Blair Vikings pulled off the biggest upset of the night in Round 1 of the CIF State basketball playoff tournament on Tuesday.
The Vikings knocked off Division IV second seed Arroyo Grande 76-62 after traveling 3.5 hour road trip to Arroyo Grande for the game.
Blair led the entire game behind freshman sensation Timmy Anderson’s 35 points. Senior Shakour Sidney scored 15, and sophomore Tarynce Price scored 10 points.
“It’s a crazy ride,” said Athletic Director Russell Wong. “We didn’t take our preseason schedule lightly this year and that helped us. We got deeper in terms of our bench and Timmy Anderson and senior Shakour Sidney have helped take the team to a new level.
“I am very happy for the team and Blair. We have not had too many winning seasons and it is nice to see this good group of kids do well. They’re a good group of kids.”
The team received a hero’s welcome when they returned home at 2:20 a.m. to the school thanks to Mayor Victor Gordo’s office.
The Pasadena Fire Department was waiting with a ladder truck and a second fire vehicle and the Pasadena Police Department had eight cruisers at the school with their lights, horns and sirens blaring to welcome the team home.
“These young men are doing more to uplift the Blair Community than anything I could possibly think of,” said Maro Najarian Yacoubian, founder, Armenian Academy at Blair High School. “They have succeeded in proving so many people wrong. We are stronger together. Proud of you!!! Viking strong!!!”
The Vikings take to the road again on Thursday to play seventh seed San Pedro High at San Pedro at 7pm. San Pedro played in the Open (highest) Division in CIF LA City Section, and knocked off CIF-SS 5AA Champions Bosco Tech on Tuesday to advance to Round 2.
A tough match is anticipated.
The Vikings moved up to Div 4 play for the CIF State Playoff Tournament after winning the CIF Southern Sec Div 5A Title on Saturday.
Blair scored double digits over all of its opponents in the Southern Section 5A tournament by double digits.
“Postseason travel expenses are not accounted for in school athletic budgets, and the Vikings have played five away games in a row. The Blair Boosters is a student-founded 501(c)3 nonprofit supporting Blair Athletics,” said Mike Lesnever, Treausurer, Blair Boosters. “We have been proud to gather community support to help cover these expenses so our team can focus on what they do best, winning basketball games. Special thanks to Pasadena Firefighter Association Local 809 for their generous donation that covered team vans for the trip to Arroyo Grande. As the 15th seed, we anticipate each future game to be on the road, and continued fundraising will be needed. To make a contribution, visit www.blairboosters.com/donation or Venmo @blairboosters.” A tax donation letter can be provided.”
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