Page 8 April 15, 2021 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
Sports from page 3
took an early 1-0 lead thanks to Chelsea
Charles, who powered her goal attempt past
an outstretched Torrance goalie. Torrance
used some clever passing and took advantage
of open opportunities to score two first-half
and second-half goals. El Segundo’s offense
pressured Torrance goalie Audrey Silverman
when the opportunity came up, but she made
seven saves or deflections, and the Eagles
came away with a 3-1 loss.
The boys’ soccer team opened their season
with a 4-3 win over Peninsula. Trailing 3-0 in
the second half the Eagle scored four goals,
one each by Duke Durand, Andre Hernandez,
Jackson Bevelhiemer and Constanin Papadopoulos
. Since then, the Eagles have stumbled
over the next three games when they fell to
Mira Costa, North Torrance and Torrance.
Basketball Team Opens Season
with Win and Optimism
It’s been a long wait, but the high school
basketball season is finally here. The Eagles
will play a modified schedule that is more
like a sprint playing 13 games in six weeks
than a standard 28 games over four months.
According to head coach David March, the
program will continue to focus on being
a tough, defensive-minded team that wins
through pressure defense and an analyticsbased
offense. Since March, the group is
really excited to be back together for the
first time and focused solely only on their
return to the Pioneer League.
There’s a lot of optimism with three
talented seniors, including Leo Cagan, CJ
Hardy-Taylor and Gideon Telahun, returning,
and each has all-league potential. There
are four juniors, including two returners
including Preston Engle and Tyler Murray.
Engle is one of the most offensively gifted
players in the Pioneer League, while Murray
is a tough-minded guard. Dani Awada and
JJ Chaikovsky played together on the JV
team and brought length and athleticism to
the varsity level. Chaikovsky can shoot the
ball and, with his size and intelligence, will
anchor the inside of the Eagle’s defense.
Awada is a great athlete that can finish at
the rim and defend inside.
Three sophomores and two freshmen will
round out the roster this season. Sophomores
Farren Affel, Holden Coulter and Jesse Gutierrez
will join freshman Carlos Guardiola and
Jack Pintens in what will be the youngest
team Coach March has had during his tenure
at ESHS. The group brings good length, with
Coulter, Guardiola and Pintens all being 6’5
or taller. Coulter and Pintens bring guard
skills, and Guardiola brings inside toughness
with his 6’5 and 215-pound frame.
Prior to the Eagles season opener, they had
just one practice session inside a gym, and
that was on game day. They capitalized on
their shoot around and defeated Artesia on the
road in a 55-39 win. Led by CJ Hardy-Taylor
(13 points) and Preston Engle (21 points),
the Eagles jumped out to a 10-1 lead with a
hard half-court trap and pressure. The game
was highlighted by a monster dunk by CJ
Hardy Taylor that delighted his teammates.
Coach March was pleased with the team’s
first game and said, “The kids played hard
and competed against a team that had more
prep time. It was a great start to the season.
Everyone played, and six players got their
first taste of varsity basketball.
The Eagles play their home opener Friday
at 5:30 p.m.
Football Team Slowed
by Injuries Ends Season
The Eagles traveled to West Torrance with
a depleted roster due to injuries and came
away with a disappointing 36-8 loss. The
Eagles were down to starting a third-string
quarterback and three backup linemen as well
as playing others out of position.
There were times when El Segundo’s offense
showed signs of sustaining a drive, only have
it stalled by a turnover or a penalty. In the
second quarter, the Eagle’s only score was
set up after a roughing the kicker penalty by
West Torrance on fourth and long. Conrad
Bernstein then directed the offense down
the field and found James Pearson open for
Chelsea Charles (Blue) looks to pass in traffic.
a 17-yard gain and another first down. That
set up a 27-yard catch and run touchdown
pass from Bernstein to Pearson.
It was El Segundo’s lone score of the
night and the last of the season. The Eagles
were scheduled to face Lawndale Friday
night in the season finale for each team.
Due to injuries that have decimated El Segundo’s
roster, it was determined that the
Eagles would not play their final game for
Trinity Parascandola drives to attempt a goal.
James Pearson led the Eagles in receptions, including this one for 17 yards.
Justin Gil runs for a first down.
safety concerns. Head coach Shawn Green
met with his coaching staff and the seniors
before making the decision, and all were in
agreement. Thus, ends a shortened season for
a team that was down to their fourth-string
quarterback, second string running back,
and a backup secondary while playing three
backup linemen.
Around Town
Finally!!!! The El Segundo Little League’s
sixty-sixth season began this past Monday. It’s
been long overdue, thanks to a pandemic that
canceled the 2020 season. Now that the young
athletes are back, why not stop by and cheer
them on at Brett Field, Walton Field (Center
Street School) or Arena Field (behind the football
stadium at the high school)? Be mindful of social
distancing and mask-wearing requirements. •
your business YOUR NAME
your dreams
we can help
DBAS PUBLISHED FOR ONLY $75.00
Email dba@heraldpublications.com or call 310-322-1830 for more information.