Los Angeles Dodgers Win the World Series
After finishing their season with a 98-64 overall record, The Dodgers headed to the playoffs where they defeated the San Diego Padres, New York Mets and New York Yankees. Designated Hitter Shohei Ohtani became the National League MVP. He, along with, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández, earned the Silver Slugger award. Dodgers general manager Dave Roberts was named Baseball America 2024 Manager of the Year.
The Intuit Dome Grand Opening
The new home for the L.A. Clippers opened its doors in August. The Clippers lost to the Phoenix Sun in overtime 116-113 during their first season opener. However, the new stadium would become a historic venue for star guard James Harden. On November 17, Harden would become the second all-time NBA leader in three-pointers in a home game against the Utah Jazz. He would score his 3000th career three-pointer against the Denver Nuggets on December 1.
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Has Undefeated Season
Dawn Staley led Kamilla Cardoso, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and the rest of the Gamecocks women’s basketball team to a 38-0 overall record and an NCAA championship during the 2023-2024 season. On average, South Carolina held their opponents to 56.6 points during that season. Cardoso averaged 14.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. Their 62-77 loss to the UCLA Bruins on November 24 marked the snapping of a 43-game winning streak for the Gamecocks.
Kobe Bryant Statues Unveiled
Late Lakers legend and five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant had two statues unveiled at the Crypto.com Arena. The first statue commemorated his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006. The second statue honors the life of him and his late daughter Gianna.
Year of LeBron James
Along with tennis star CoCo Gauff, NBA star LeBron James was the flagbearer for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. James led the men’s basketball team to a gold medal. At the start of the NBA season, he took the court with his Lakers teammate Bronny James to become the first father and son to play on the same team in the NBA.
Saint Mary’s Academy Competes in the State Championship
The Saint Mary’s Academy Belles girl’s track and field team qualified for the CIF state meet in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m. The Belles won the Southern Section championship in both relays. Jayla Cigar-Dingle placed second in the 100m and third in the 200m during the Southern Section Finals. A’Shari Hobbs came in third for the 800m.
King/Drew Wins City Section Championships
The King/Drew Golden Eagles boy’s basketball team and the football team became City Section Champions. The boy’s basketball team defeated the LACES Unicorns 51-45 to win the 2023-2024 CIF City Section Open Division Championship. They ultimately reached the CIF State regional Semifinals. In their third season, the Golden/Eagles Football team defeated the Palisades Dolphins 56-35 to win the Division I City Section Championship in November.
USC and UCLA Women’s Basketball
The Bruins and the Women of Troy both made deep runs in March Madness. Charisma Osborne and Lauren Betts helped lead the Bruins to the Sweet Sixteen. JuJu Watkins and McKenzie Forbes helped the Women of Troy to the Elite Eight. With 920 points, Watkins set the all-time national scoring record by a freshman. The Bruins are currently the top team in the AP poll while the Women of Troy is ranked fourth.
Crenshaw vs Washington Prep Boys Basketball Overtime Game
The Crenshaw Cougars and the Washington Generals started Coliseum League play in a competitive matchup that went into four overtime periods. Briyan Aldridge scored 31 points and King Peterson scored 24 points for the Cougars. Peterson made the game-winning shot to put the Cougars over the Generals 113-112.
Morningside Girl’s Basketball in the State Tournament
For the first time in 19 years, the Morningside Monarchs girl’s basketball team made a long run in the Division 4A Southern Section playoffs. The Monarchs had a 12-8 overall record and a 5-4 Ocean League record. The Los Angeles Sparks recognized their efforts and invited them to their 2024 Draft Party
