Beverly Hills Basketball Delivers Statement Win Over Milken

The Beverly Hills High School boys’ varsity basketball team earned a convincing 65–44 win over Milken Community School on Saturday, January 24, turning a highly anticipated matchup into a defining moment for the program. In front of more than 700 fans who filled the historic Swim Gym, the Normans combined energy, discipline, and teamwork to produce one of their most complete performances of the season.

The victory followed Friday night’s rivalry game against Santa Monica, a contest that reignited school spirit and drew widespread attention on campus. By Saturday afternoon, that momentum had carried over. From the opening minutes, Beverly Hills set the tone with strong defensive pressure and crisp ball movement, steadily pulling away as the game unfolded.

Principal Loan Sriruksa said the result reflected something larger than the final score.

“This was more than a win,” Sriruksa said. “It was a reflection of who we are becoming as a school community; resilient, united, and deeply invested in one another’s success.”

The team’s cohesion stood out under first-year varsity head coach Adam Verdi, whose emphasis on trust and accountability has shaped the program throughout the season. Players contributed across the roster, making unselfish decisions on offense and committing fully on defense. The result was a disciplined, collective effort that left little doubt about the outcome.

The atmosphere surrounding the game underscored the sense of momentum building around BHHS athletics. Students from ASB, cheer, band, broadcast production, and leadership groups all played visible roles in creating a lively environment. Giveaways, performances, and coordinated student sections added to an experience that felt more like a community event than a single game.

Attendance extended well beyond the high school. Students and families from Beverly Vista Middle School, El Rodeo Elementary School, and Horace Mann Elementary School were in the stands, along with many BHHS alumni, signaling a level of district-wide engagement that has been rare in recent years.

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss said the night captured the spirit of the district.

“This game showed exactly what makes Beverly Hills Unified so special,” Cherniss said. “It was student-led and community-supported. It brought together every part of our district, elementary, middle, and high school students, families, alumni, and staff, in a way that reminds us of the strength and spirit that define Beverly Hills.”

The win also reflected broader changes underway within BHHS athletics. This season marks the first year of the district’s Nike partnership through BSN Sports, a shift that has helped reinforce a shared identity rooted in tradition while signaling higher expectations. For players and students alike, the idea of what it means to be a Norman is evolving.

In the end, the Milken victory resonated beyond the court. It represented confidence built through preparation, a school community showing up for its students, and a program beginning to define itself. For Beverly Hills High School, it was not just a win, but a sign of something taking shape.