Athletics
Go Heralds!
CIF Championship Teams
1989 Boys Basketball
The 1989 Whittier Christian Heralds entered the postseason with one goal. They had been close before, reaching the final two of the previous three seasons, only to fall short. This group of seniors, anchored by varsity lettermen Scott Ferguson, Paul McKinley, Kealii Takahashi, Steve Matthies, Rob Diaz, and Matt Riehm, made sure this year ended differently. Under first-year head coach Bob Brown, the Heralds rode their depth, size and toughness into one of the most memorable playoff runs in school history.
Opening The CIF Playoffs
The Heralds began their Southern Section 2-AA playoff journey with a strong win over Aquinas, 70 to 62. Ferguson led with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while McKinley added 19 points and 11 boards. The inside presence of the Heralds was already starting to show. They punished teams in the paint and controlled the tempo through rebounding and second-chance points.The Championship Game
The CIF final against top-seeded Banning became an instant classic. The Heralds and Broncos battled through regulation tied at 65 to 65. Early in overtime, Whittier Christian leaned into what had carried them all season, a combination of relentless rebounding, disciplined defense, and the steady leadership of its seniors. Their size gave them a huge advantage inside, and their toughness allowed them to navigate every tense moment without losing composure. They defended with purpose, ran when they had numbers, and trusted Coach Brown’s decision to run the second half and overtime offense through the frontcourt.
The defining moment came with under half a minute left. Ferguson missed a layup, fought through two defenders, grabbed his own rebound, and banked in the go-ahead score with 28 seconds remaining. It was the bucket that finally lifted the Heralds to a 69 to 67 win and the CIF 2-AA championship. Ferguson finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. McKinley and Riehm stood out for their toughness, and the Heralds’ defense held Banning to a single field goal in overtime.
Rolling Through the Bracket
In the semifinals against El Segundo, Whittier Christian delivered one of its most explosive stretches of the year. After trailing early, the Heralds went on a stunning 24 to 1 run, then outpaced the Eagles with a 34 to 5 burst that completely changed the game’s tone. Ferguson scored 20 with 10 rebounds, and the team’s physical interior play wore El Segundo down. Coach Brown praised his players afterward for staying disciplined through a very physical matchup.
A Title That Still Echoes
Whittier Christian finished the season 23 and 7, earned the Southern Section crown, and advanced into the Southern California Regional bracket as the third seed in Division IV. For Coach Brown and the players, the championship was more than a trophy. It was redemption for the heartbreaks of earlier years and a statement about the grit of the program. The 1989 Heralds remain one of Whittier Christian’s defining championship teams, remembered for their power inside, their mature leadership, and a playoff run shaped by defense, rebounding, and poise in the biggest moments.
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Whittier Christian High School is a Christ-centered academic community where students are taught, inspired and prepared to be critical thinkers and authentic Christians, equipping them to honor God through academic achievement, humble service and courageous leadership.
We are recognized for our Christian commitment, academic achievement, and focus on athletics and the arts. For more than 65 years, Whittier Christian High School has been equipping young men and women to honor God as critical thinkers and authentic Christians.
We are recognized for our Christian commitment, academic achievement, and focus on athletics and the arts. For more than 65 years, Whittier Christian High School has been equipping young men and women to honor God as critical thinkers and authentic Christians.
