Written by Maddi Pariser – Sports Editor and Alison Roth – Editor-in-Chief

Determination and hard work have led the boys varsity basketball team to great success and accomplishments. The combination of both sportsmanship and athletic ability has elevated the basketball program to new heights, as the 2011-2012 team is the only boys basketball team in CHS history to earn a California Interscholastic Federation championship title.

Early in the season, the team suffered a great loss with Assistant Coach Joe Frazier’s motorcycle accident, leaving him in a medically induced coma. Ultimately, this tragedy motivated the players to improve and push themselves.

“Frazier’s accident and recovery made our team much more focused and mature than we otherwise might have been,” said Varsity Head Coach John Palarz.  “Because of [his] condition, the team dedicated itself to playing hard and playing together in a way that would make Frazier proud.”

The inspiration Frazier brought to the team enabled the boys to win their first CIF 3AA division championship. CHS defeated South Torrance High School at the Anaheim Convention Center leading them to state playoffs (69-39). CHS hosted the first two state playoff games where  the boys blew out Frontier High School of Bakersfield (86-56). Unfortunately, their winning streak came to an end when CHS lost to St. John Basco in overtime during their second state playoff game (71-75).

“It is a true testament to the hard work and dedication that we all put into this season,” said senior captain Spencer Levy. “There is no team that has spent more hours, days or months than we have. Reflecting on our season is something truly amazing to think about, two tournament championships, a league title, CIF championship and State run.