“We are definitely at a level of competing, but we need to get into game shape,” said Flintridge Sacred Heart second-year Coach Gino Pacella, who guided the Tologs to an appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division IV-A playoffs after a fifth-place finish in the Mission League last season. “We have to take over with our passing and free throws, so that’s our chore getting to [next season].
“It’s about what’s a good decision. I like our determination.”
San Marino made a living feeding off errant passes by the Tologs, as they led to 22 points. To compound the Tologs’ misfortunes, they made just seven of 22 free-throw attempts.
Flintridge Sacred Heart, which qualified last season for the playoffs for the first time since 2005, enjoyed its last lead at 7-6 on a jump shot by senior-to-be guard/forward Amanda Erwin with 12:15 left in the first half. San Marino, a member of the Rio Hondo League, then closed out the first half on a 14-5 run to build a 20-12 lead.
“I am encouraged getting a lot of looks,” Pacella said. “It’s just a matter of finishing.”
Flintridge Sacred Heart guard Madi Romero made a short jump shot to cut San Marino’s lead to 22-16 with 16:50 left in the contest. The Tologs couldn’t get any closer.
Flintridge Sacred Heart received a team-high seven points from senior-to-be center Zeeyna Haddad, including five in the first half. Returning junior-to-be guard Vanessa Romero, who earned All-Mission League second-team accolades after averaging a team-best 12.1 points per game last season, added five points. Erwin added four points for Flintridge Sacred Heart.
The Tologs will next compete in another South Pasadena Summer League game at 5 p.m. Monday against Westridge. They also will take part in games against Flintridge Prep at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Maranatha at 4 p.m. July 13, Pasadena Poly at 7 p.m. July 15, Hoover at 7 p.m. July 20 and Pasadena Poly at 7 p.m. July 22.
Flintridge Sacred Heart will also take part in a four-day tournament in San Diego in mid-July.
CHARLES RICH covers sports. He can be reached at (818) 637-3228 or charles.rich@latimes.com.
