On Feb. 1, the Loyola varsity basketball team made history when they played in the Mission League Showcase, an array of games played by teams from all over Los Angeles. It was hosted at the Intuit Dome, the brand-new, state-of-the-art, $2 billion basketball arena located in Inglewood and the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
This was extra special for Loyola, as the Cubs were the first high school team to play and win at Intuit. This eighteen-thousand-seat arena is described as the ultimate basketball experience as it combines cutting-edge technology with endless food and entertainment options, ranging from sushi, courtesy of a former Nobu chef, to open courts for fan use. Intuit also features the K Halo Board, the largest 4k video board in the world.
“It was a really special occasion to play at the Intuit Dome. These are the games you remember for life,” said Head Coach Damaine Powell. He was not the only one impressed with the Intuit Dome.
Player Ollie Mohr ‘25 said, “It felt unreal because we are used to watching the pros play in these types of atmospheres. The Intuit Dome is really cool and all the new technology was impressive. Overall it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was totally surreal.”
Coach Powell urged his team to enjoy the experience and leave their nerves off the court. He also spoke of his team’s crushing 76-55 win over Mission League rival Chaminade in the opening game of the showcase.
“It was great to get a big win against Chaminade. Considering what has happened in the last couple of weeks with the fires, and how much that has affected our team and the Loyola community, this win was important,” said Powell.
The game was neck and neck with the Eagles most of the first half, so close that both teams were tied 41-41 at the break. However, the Cubs put on a dazzling defensive performance in the second half, holding Chaminade to just 14 points. They put on an offensive masterclass in the fourth quarter, going on a 24-6 run.
This was due to many excellent Cub performances, particularly by point guard Quincy Watson ‘26, who had 23 points, including 6 three-pointers, and eclipsed 1,000 career points in that game. “Hitting 1,000 points at the Intuit Dome was a surreal moment, and I was elated that we were able to share an incredible moment after pulling off the most important thing… the win,” said Watson.
Watson was not the only one who delivered a clutch performance. Jack Jeffery ‘26 and Brandon Klein ‘25 combined for 33 points, lighting up the Intuit Dome and sending the fans roaring with applause. Great performances from the entire team led to this huge win and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Cubs.
One thing is for certain: The Loyola varsity basketball team is making history and paving the way for a historic next season with key players and monumental performances. Their night and big win at the Intuit Dome is one for the history books and one that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of players, coaches, and fans alike.
