This Week in Athletics: Winter CIF Playoff Update
February 21, 2025
Cate Soccer and Basketball Teams Shine in Playoff Runs: A Season to Remember
This year’s athletic seasons for Cate’s Boys Soccer and Basketball teams will be remembered for their thrilling playoff performances, strong teamwork, and inspiring resilience. Both teams made impressive strides, proving they are forces to be reckoned with, despite their playoff runs ending just shy of championship glory.
Cate Boys Soccer’s Historic Playoff Journey
The Cate Rams Boys Soccer team made a historic run in the CIF Division 1 Southern Section Playoffs, leaving their mark on the program and the community. From the very first whistle, they showed they belonged among the region’s elite teams.
The team’s journey began on a rainy Meldman Field, where they faced El Toro in a nail-biting first-round match. Junior striker George Marin wasted no time, opening the scoring in the 3rd minute with a spectacular free kick. El Toro responded with an equalizer in the second half, but Marin’s second goal, a perfectly placed shot off a corner from Kamil Abdul Nafeo in the 71st minute, sealed the win for the Rams. With junior goalkeeper Quincy Thorne and a strong defense holding firm, Cate walked away with a thrilling 2-1 victory.
In the second round, the Rams hosted Pasadena in front of a packed and energized home crowd. After trailing 1-0, Marin once again stepped up, scoring the equalizer in the 39th minute off assists from Nic Forry and Abdul Nafeo. The match went into overtime, where Cate displayed relentless pressure. The game ended in dramatic fashion when Marin calmly converted a penalty kick to propel Cate into the quarterfinals.
Though their postseason journey came to an end with a 3-1 loss to El Segundo in the quarterfinals, the Rams left it all on the field. They played with passion, grit, and composure, showing incredible growth throughout the season. Seniors Samuel Anum, Nic Forry, and Lucas Huiner provided steady leadership, while standout juniors and sophomores, like Marin, Thorne, and Abdul Nafeo, ensured that the program’s future remains bright. This season was a testament to the team’s growth, and Cate soccer is well-positioned for continued success.
Cate Boys Basketball’s Memorable Playoff Run
The Cate Rams Boys Varsity Basketball team also made a deep run in the CIF-SS playoffs, delivering some unforgettable moments along the way. The team’s heart and skill were on full display as they fought their way into the quarterfinals.
Their postseason began with a thrilling 61-55 overtime victory over Faith Baptist. Senior Marcus Scudder led the charge with a remarkable 39 points in the first round, while junior Josh Butler’s sharp shooting kept the Rams in control during the second-round battle against Savanna, which Cate won 67-63. Key defensive contributions from sophomore Braylin Glomah and senior Peter Lehman helped solidify the Rams’ place in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinals brought a tough matchup against Pacifica (Garden Grove). Cate’s fast start, characterized by intense defense and hot outside shooting, saw them holding onto a slim lead in the first half. However, Pacifica’s zone defense in the second half proved difficult for Cate to overcome, and despite crucial baskets from Scudder, Lehman, and Glomah, the Rams couldn’t regain the lead, falling 44-41 in a hard-fought battle.
While their playoff run ended earlier than they hoped, the team showed incredible heart, resilience, and growth throughout the season. The leadership of seniors like Gabbay, Scudder and Lehman laid the foundation for future success, and the fans’ support was a vital part of the team’s momentum. Cate basketball’s collective effort and commitment to teamwork made this season one to remember.
Both the Cate Boys Soccer and Basketball teams demonstrated their talent, perseverance, and determination this year. While the playoff runs ended in heartbreak, they serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication that these student-athletes put in, and a bright future awaits both programs.