As the buzzer hit zero, the Varsity Boys Basketball team won its CIF championship game against Rancho Bernardo High School with a final score of 62-54. It was the first time since 1992 that they had won CIF in 34 years. They then progressed to the state for the first time in Poway’s history. One of the main reasons the boys believed they won the state game was because of their communication and passing. “Definitely sharing the ball was a big part for us,” senior Grant Rodriguez said.
“It was just kind of the guys, specifically the seniors, and it was really cool what we accomplished this season,” head coach Corey Clark said
On the court, senior Daniel Mariduena stood out as the leading scorer of the Rancho Bernardo CIF playoff game. Although he had rolled his ankle at the very start of the game, he was very adamant that he wanted to keep playing.
At the start of the season, they had played in championship games and didn’t perform the best, but instead of being upset, they took it as a chance to be better and learn what helps them as a team.
Junior Bryce Jones had an “incredible game against Rancho Bernardo,” according to Clark.
Jones had played the whole 4th quarter, starring on offense and scoring free throws. Clark said he helped the team prepare for the game with a team-building activity of blowing up a balloon and having your partner catch it in the air.
The Poway boys basketball team ended with a 23-12 overall record and a 5-5 league record. The boys won the first round of state against George Washington, 63-56, and also won the second round against Fairfax High School, 69-61
Athletic Director Damian Gonzalez described Fairfax High School as “one of the most well-known high schools for basketball.”
Their run ended in the state championship game with a score of 69-82. They lost to Birmingham on Mar. 8.
