At the heart of San Gabriel Academy (SGA) are three goals: to serve others, grow in Christ, and aspire to excellence, inspired by Christ’s words in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (NLT). At SGA, Christ is not confined to a Bible classroom or a mission trip or a Week of Prayer. He’s also on the basketball court, which was evident during this year’s CIF Division III Boys Basketball playoffs.
With 155 students in grades 9-12, SGA is a small school compared to many teams they faced from 1,000-student schools. Their journey to the trophy wasn’t always easy, but the boys knew every battle served a greater purpose, and they never lost the awareness that they were representing God’s school, on and off the court. The collective prayer of SGA’s school family was this: “Whether we win or lose, let our examples bring glory and honor to God.”
In January, the devastating Eaton Fires that ravaged Pasadena and Altadena brought the season to a halt, shaking the community and forcing game cancellations. During those moments of uncertainty, the team’s head coach, Danny Piepoli, reminded his players what it meant to fight not simply for a game but for something greater. The championship run was about more than just basketball—it was the realization that they carried the hope and pride of the Adventist community that had supported them without wavering.
After losing to Sage Hill School in the Division 3AA Southern Section semifinals, the SGA administration received an email from a Sage Hill School senior guard. “Even in defeat, your players and coaches conducted themselves with dignity and respect,” the email read. “Your state championship couldn’t have happened to a more deserving group who exemplified class in both victory and defeat.”
The historic postseason run saw the SGA team claim not one but two monumental titles, both for the first time in their school history: the Regional Southern Section CIF Championship and the Division III State Championship. The team was also the first Seventh-day Adventist school to ever win a state title in California. “We felt your energy,” Piepoli said of the Adventist community. “This championship belongs to all of us.”
This season will be remembered not only for the titles won but also for the spirit of a team that refused to give up, no matter the odds. SGA’s victory is a testament to what can happen when people come together with a shared goal and an unshakable belief in one another and in God. Serving others, growing in Christ, and aspiring to excellence happens on the basketball court, too.
