The AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School’s Varsity Boys Basketball team has been bumped from CIF Division 5A to 2A in just three seasons, due to an overall record of 44-6.
Led by Head Coach Nareg Kopooshian, the Titans came into the playoffs unranked and were not expected to win a single playoff game in this powerhouse of a division. The division consists of teams from several high schools — each of which have more than 3,000 students — who are dependent on recruiting. The Titans, from a private Armenian school with 207 students, are comprised of homegrown talent who have been coached by Nareg Kopooshian since they were eight years old.
“We practice two hours a day, Monday to Saturday, along with an hour of film of each day. Our attention to detail, game preparation, and discipline is what sets us apart. Coming into playoffs, everyone counted us out, except us. We knew we were ready for this moment,” said head coach Nareg Kopooshian.
The Titans opened up the southern section division 2A playoffs defeating the Pacific League Champion and the #12 ranked Pasadena High School. In the second round, the Titans were matched up with Goliath, against Diamond Bar High School. Diamond Bar, the #5 seed, was one of the favorites to win the division. The Titans commanded the game and defeated Diamond Bar 51-40.
In the quarterfinal game, AGBU was matched up with Adelanto High School, the #13 seeded League Champions. The Titans defeated Adelanto by a score of 42-36 and in the process not only clinched a State Playoff appearance, but also advanced to the semifinal game where they were set to play Open division caliber powerhouse and #1 seeded Rancho Christian School. Rancho Christian, who defeated Sierra Canyon School and West Ranch High School earlier this season, came in featuring two 6’7 wings and a 7’0 center, all committed to high major Division 1 universities.
The Titans were down 8-0, but would soon make a significant run to go up 17-12, at which point the gymnasium and all of the Rancho fans fell silent. AGBU ultimately was unable to withstand the size and length of Rancho Christian and fell 69-50 in the CIF Semifinal game. This is the first time an Armenian school has competed in Division 2 and made it to the semifinal game. The Titans are now preparing for State Playoffs, where they have a serious chance at making a deep run.
The CIF State Tournament begins on Tuesday, February 28.
