Basketball is a game where one shot can make a difference. Those last seconds can make one a legend or just another player who came up a bit short. Striving to win and playing down to the last seconds are what make basketball so competitive. Having a long term rival, exponentially multiplies the intensity of the games. This excitement and tension is present when Crescenta Valley and Arcadia meet for a showdown.
On February 9, 2012, the top rivals: CV and Arcadia, clashed for the last time this season. The JV boys of the two rival schools came onto the court and laid everything down to win. Eric Bae, JV captain at CV, said, “This is the game we’re always looking forward to. Playing Arcadia is why I love playing as a Falcon.” As soon as the tip-off began, it was clear that this game was going to be a tough battle.
San Yoon, sophomore at CV, pointed out the source of the two schools’ rivalry: “Every season, CV and Arcadia are both so even, that most games came down to the last minute.” In the thick of the game, players’ emotions run high and from this passion, players and spectators both share that same desire to win, pulling everyone into the heat of the game. The players are so heavily invested that winning the game is all that matters. Rivalries pump up athletes and command all their attention.
Eric played his heart out, and assisted by his teammates, the Falcons were able to build themselves a cushion. The teams would go back and forth and it was evident that the players were starting to let their emotions show. After every amazing play or embarrassing blunder, each team would rub it in their opponents’ faces just a bit longer than they would have against another team. The Falcons were beginning to pull away, but Kevin Lee, Junior at Arcadia, and the Apaches started to put up resistance. Nevertheless, in the end the Falcons overwhelmed their foes with a barrage of three-pointers. They were able to bury the Apaches and win both games of the season, granting bragging rights until next year.
Rivalries infuse the game with more energy and intensity because the stakes are higher. CV and Arcadia have been pushing each other to limits for over ten years and no doubt will continue. Spectators enjoy the heart pounding moments without the risk of being responsible for the missed shot at the buzzer, feel all the emotions and put themselves on the court, feel the love of the game and rejoice when they win. They themselves become part of the rivalry.
