Serra entered last season as defending CIF and state champions. When the postseason rolled around, they were unable to defend their title. On the day they were supposed to find out who their first round playoff opponent would be, news came that they would be staying at home.
"We definitely were going to try to defend our CIF title as well as (our) state title," said Serra head coach Dwan Hurt. "We had some very gifted athletes on that team and (USC Trojans wide receiver) Marqise Lee being one of them. We had struggled throughout the season but we were just turning the corner.
"We had just won league, and we really were going after that title last year, but we were not able to do it."
It was ruled the Cavaliers had an ineligible player and as a result they were forced to forfeit 13 games. The Del Rey League had a chance to step in and allow the team to compete in postseason play as one of the league's guaranteed teams but declined to vote in their favor, according to the school.
So, it's clear to see where the motivation came from for this season.
"I attribute our success to not being in the playoffs last year," said Hurt. "Last year after it happened, I wanted to rebuild the program and our number one goal this year was character.
"We wanted to change the perception of what people thought of us."
Thursday, the Cavaliers (28-2) are back in the finals taking on La Verne Lutheran (23-6) at the Anaheim Convention Center at 4:45pm in the Division 4AA Championship. The game can be seen right here on FOXSportsWest.com.
"(They are a) very, very well-coached team. (A) very, very good team and (Grant) Jerrett, who is a McDonald's All American, is a great player as well as (Eric) Cooper (Jr.) who is a very good shooter," said Hurt. "I think the best two teams are in the championship and I think it's going to be a very good game."
The Trojans are one of many teams that make up the gauntlet that is Division 4AA. It's a cornucopia of basketball wealth. Although it is a smaller division, it boasts some of the best teams in the state.
Upon finding out who his Cavaliers would be up against in the division, Hurt called it "a real NCAA Tournament."
The "tournament" concludes with a matchup of the last two Division 3 State Champions. Hurt knows a thing or two about winning championships having won five CIF sectional titles and two CIF State titles in his 23 years as Serra's head coach. Spending last year at home has allowed the Cavaliers to appreciate the moment.
"It seemed like every day the guys were coming together and every game it's been a different guy who takes the lead. I can attribute it to we're just really enjoying each other's company and we're enjoying the season," said Hurt.
