Burbank High Girls Basketball Alumni Triumph Over Varsity Lady Bulldogs Again

Natalie Megerdichian and Andrea Aparico combine for 24 points in the loss for the Varsity Lady Bulldogs

A group of women's basketball players in matching white 'ALUMNI' shirts pose for a team photo on a basketball court, holding basketballs, with spectators in the background.

The second annual Burbank High School girls varsity basketball alumni game did not disappoint as the alumni squad came away with a 56-50 win over the Lady Bulldogs varsity squad for the second straight year. Last year the alumni squad squeezed out a 55-54 win in the first annual Burbank High School girls basketball alumni game when Aja Locke scored the game winning basket with six seconds left in regulation.

A basketball court scene featuring players warming up in white jerseys while a coach supervises. Banners and advertisements line the walls.

The Varsity Lady Bulldogs entered the alumni game contest after easily defeating the Lady Muir Mustangs 75-36 in the first of the back to back. Ani Khachatryan began the opening quarter by nailing back-to-back three point baskets to give the Lady Bulldogs an early 6-0 lead over the alumni squad. Natalie Setaghian got the alumni squad on the board by making both of her foul shots at the free-throw line. Setaghian then recorded a layup to put the Lady Bulldogs alumni squad within two of the varsity team. Sofia Aslanyan tied the score at six with a basket. Manina Tuputupu made the shot of the night in the first quarter when her jump shot beat the buzzer to help the varsity lead 14-6 heading into the second quarter.

A group of girls basketball players gather in a huddle on the court, with spectators seated in the stands in a sports gym decorated with bulldog-themed artwork.

Burbank High School gym interior with girls basketball team in white jerseys huddled together, preparing for a game.

Emma Kerr and Jolene Vartanian began the second quarter by trading points. Kerr made both of her free throw shots, while Vartanian recorded a two-point basket with varsity still on top 16-8. The alumni squad then went on an 8-0 scoring run as Celine Shamilian scored four straight baskets to tie the game at 16.

Interior view of Burbank High School gymnasium showing basketball court, scoreboard, and audience seating, with players in white jerseys gathered on the court.

A basketball game at Burbank High School featuring players in uniforms; a referee prepares for the opening tip-off.

Apracio stopped the scoring run and broke the tie with a two-point basket and varsity regained the lead at 18-16. Annabelle Setaghian nailed a three-point basket to push the lead up to five over the alumni squad. Roxy Payind made both of her foul shots at the line to help the alumni squad get to within three at the halftime break.

The Burbank High School gymnasium features the varsity Lady Bulldogs warming up before a basketball game, with team members in blue uniforms standing together on the court.

Karen Castillas began the second half with back-to-back baskets to put the alumni squad in front with a one-point lead. Natalie Megerdichian then nailed a three point basket to give the Lady Bulldogs Varsity squad a 26-24 lead. Both teams entertained the crowd with an exciting third quarter and the varsity squad entered the final quarter with a 41-37 lead.

Players participating in the alumni girls basketball game at Burbank High School, with the team bench in the background showcasing a supportive crowd.

Burbank High School gym during a girls basketball game, showing players warming up and a referee overseeing the game.

Alle Tarvirdi, Ani Kachatryan and Payind all scored for their respective teams to begin the fourth quarter and Casillas made a clutch bank shot to tie the game at 43. Annabelle Setaghian responded with a bank shot of her own to give the Lady Bulldogs a 45-43 lead. Both teams battled until the very end with Alle Tarvidi, Emily Megerdichian and Osanna Trirityan converting their foul shots to seal the six point win for the alumni squad.

Action shot of a girls varsity basketball game at Burbank High School, featuring players in action on the court.

A competitive basketball game in a high school gymnasium featuring six female players in action, with a scoreboard showing the current score.

“It’s amazing to see that over 15 Burbank High girls basketball alumni showed up to play in their old stopping grounds against the current varsity team and it’s great for the school to have that tradition again.” said Alexa Mirzaian. Mirzaian added that having Bruce Breeden back to coach the alumni squad is a great feeling since Breeden has served as the head girls basketball coach at Burbank High School for 18 years.

Action shot of a girls basketball game at Burbank High School, with players in blue and white jerseys on the court.

Burbank High School gym during a girls basketball varsity alumni game with players competing on the court and spectators in the stands.

The Lady Bulldogs squad will return to action on Friday, December 26th against Fillmore at the Trinity Classical Tournament with tip off slated for 9:00 a.m.