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SoCalHoops Event News

Glendora 5th Annual Triple Crown
Challenge Announced--(Nov. 20, 2002)

glendoralogo.gif (8240 bytes) What: Glendora 5th Annual Triple Crown
Where Glendora HS
When Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002
Who: 5:00 p.m.-- El Toro vs. Thousand Oaks
6:30 p.m.-- Diamond Bar vs. Bishop Amat
8:00 p.m. --Glendora vs. San Dimas

We've mentioned the Triple Crown Challenge in years past, but it never hurts to remind everyone that this event is an annual thing, and will, as with most annual things, recur again this year.....  It's always a fun way to see three games at the same venue, all very good teams, and this year's event will feature some very interesting matchups, including a lot of perennial favorites like host Glendora, Diamond Bar, and last year's Div III-AA section champions, Bishop Amat, as well as El Toro and last year's Div. I-A runners up Thousand Oaks, and the always tough San Dimas squad.  

This is NOT a tournament (that's why our header calls it an "event" not a tournament), so for those who insist on referring to it as such, it's not....What the Triple Crown Challenge consists of is three games featuring six teams. A one-time showdown, with no second chances, no brackets, no "consolation" games.  Lose and you're done.   Win and you're done.....except that like most things, when you win it's just more fun than losing.  

We received a press release from Glendora yesterday with the details of the event.  Here it is:

Top Basketball Teams to compete in 5th Annual Triple Crown Challenge

Nov. 18, 2002 

Glendora High School has announced the line up for this year's Triple Crown Challenge,  to be held Tuesday December 3rd at Glendora High School.  The event annually kicks off the new season by pairing 6 top teams in exciting competition. 

The first game of the evening at 5PM will pair El Toro from Orange County against Thousand Oaks from Ventura County.  El Toro has perennially been one of the top teams in Orange County.  In 2001 they lost to Glendora in the CIF 1AA Championship at the Arrowhead Pond.   Thousand Oaks compiled a 27-5 record last year losing in the CIF 1A championship to Loyola by 3 points.

Two top San Gabriel Valley teams go head to head in game 2 as Diamond Bar takes on Bishop Amat.  Bishop Amat,  coached by former Glendora assistant Ray Lokar, returns two starters from a team that won the CIF 3AA title last year including Paul Porter, 1st team all CIF.  Diamond Bar coached by Bob Withers returns a team headed by Khalif Ford, 2nd team all CIF 1AA. This game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:30.

The nightcap will see two teams usually atop the San Gabriel Valley Rankings: the San Dimas Saints and the Glendora Tartans.  San Dimas is led by long-time coach and Glendora alumnus, Gary Prestesater.  Last Year San Dimas went 27-7 before losing in the second round of the CIF 3AA playoffs.  Glendora, led by coach Mike LeDuc in his 16th season, went 27-3 last year losing to 1000 Oaks in the CIF 1A semi-finals.  Glendora will be led by seniors Richard Patapoff and Dean Waddell and junior Davon Roberts. Game time is scheduled for 8PM.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children and students and are good for the entire evening.  Glendora High School is located at 1600 Foothill Blvd in Glendora.  Call (626) 963-5731, extension 276 for more information

See you there.

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