La Mirada turned to starting two freshmen as the season evolved-Deion Golfin and Tyler Luatua. Golfin wasn't even on the team for the start of the season, but ended up being the Mats starting point guard. Luatua became a dominating force under the rim as the season progressed.

The future looks very bright with many players returning next season such as Nikko Quinones (Jr.), Cody Mahffey (Jr.), Jesse Gonzalez (Jr.), Devon Hall (Jr.), Jarrett Davis (So.), Samy Alarcon (So.), Charlie Reid (So.), Kane Fetui (So.), and freshmen Luatua and Golfin.

But for now, the Mats have a tough task on-hand this Wednesday night against North High, hoping to advance to the next round this season.

Girls Update:

The Lady Matadores also received an at-large bid, in Division 3A, drawing a first-round match-up this Thursday at Monrovia High School starting at 7pm.

In their finale of the regular season this past Friday at home, the Mats (9-14, 2-8), won a rough, gritty, overtime game against Cerritos, despite three of their starters fouling out.

Soccer:

Boys (10-6-7) will also play North High in Division 4 first-round action, Friday at 3pm.

Girls (22-1-3), the number 4 seed in Division 3, will play at home against either La Salle or Westridge on Thursday, also at 3pm.

UPDATE: Boys basketball lost soundly to No. Torrance 85-51; girls basketball lost to Monrovia 57-32; boys soccer lost to North Torrance 0-0 (4-2); and Div. 3, No.4 seed girls soccer beat La Salle 1-0, and advance to second round Tuesday 2/22 @ Quartz Hill (Lancaster).