Let Us End this Prayer with an “Armen”
BY VAN DER-MEGERDICHIAN
ANAHEIM—Pandemonium rocked Mater Dei High School on Saturday March 3 just after 1 p.m. when the Holy Martyrs Armens Varsity basketball team upset the Providence Pioneers in overtime 65-62.
Fans at Mater Dei High School were treated to many exceptional games on Saturday but nothing like the Division 5A Championship. Liberty League rivals Holy Martyrs and Providence went at it for the third time this season. The game was worth more than just bragging rights for the Armens – Holy Martyrs had never made it this far into the Championships before and nothing would have been sweeter than to take home the trophy.
Providence led the entire game, but thanks to point guard Nareg Ashekian’s three point buzzer beater, the Armens led by two at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Senior Nshan Kenjoian played the game of his life with an MVP-like performance with 30 points and 13 rebounds. Kenjoian started the rally when he drained a three pointer from the perimeter and got fouled for a rare four point play. The game went back and forth and Providence’s young phenom, Marcus LoVett capitalized on Armens’ mistakes and sent the game to overtime late.
In overtime, the Armens’ began to turn the table after sophomore guard Zorig Kejejian assisted on two phenomenal no look passes which were converted to two very important three pointers. But it was a team effort which brought the trophy home for the Armens. Senior center Vahe Safaryan contributed 11 points and Nareg Ashekian had 8 points. Armens’ starting shooting guard Varak Ghazarian was instrumental in defending star player Marcus LoVett, who finished the game with 38 points but without the title.
Armens Head Coach Koko Kaprielian was ecstatic when hoisting the trophy after the game. Kaprielian credited the Armens’ fans stating that the game would not have been won without their enthusiastic cheering, spirit and constant energy which helped propel the team to a fabulous victory. After the game, Principal John Kossakian congratulated the entire team on their determination and will to win.
The Armens now continue their quest for the state championships on Wednesday March 7 at 7 p.m. against Fresno Christian School in Fresno, California.
This was a glorious day for the Armens Athletic Department and Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High school. Those present left the gym with an amazing story to tell and a memory to last a lifetime!
Van Der-Megerdichian is a freshman at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School.
