Culver City Observer -

Good things happen to teams that play hard. That's what happened to Culver City High School's boys' varsity basketball team last week. Although they lost a 68-65 overtime game last Friday to Tesoro in the CIF semifinal game they still got an invitation to the big dance, the CIF State Playoffs. Their next game will be on the road next Tuesday or Wednesday. Call Culver City High School to find out the exact time, day, and location.

Despite a 17-12 overall record the Centaurs use athleticism and quickness to battle taller opponents. The selection committee realized the Centaurs are a team worthy of State recognition.

Playing in the strong Bay league prepared the Centaurs for the playoffs. "The Bay league is a very competitive league," said assistant coach Ray Singleton in a telephone interview this week. "The league is tough. All of the six teams in the league were very good and all of the teams were very physical. It prepared us. The teams we played in the CIF playoffs are similar to the Bay league teams."

According to Singleton Culver City needs to cut down on their turnovers, box out on the defensive end, make free throws and be more efficient with their half court offense. "If we play our game, we will have a good chance in the State Tournament."

The other Culver City assistant coach, DJ Vincent also praised the Bay league for getting them ready for the playoffs. "The league is strong so it did help us get ready for the playoffs but we also played against some pretty talented teams in the preseason."

Head coach Michael Cooper has missed the last two CIF playoff games due to prior commitments, but he is back, and Vincent says the team is looking forward to the head coach coming back for the beginning of the State Tournament. "We need to lock in and work on the things that got us here and stick to our formation, which is defense. That's coach Cooper's trademark. Every player needs to hold themselves accountable and execute the game plan. If we do that, we will be okay."