After four suspenseful quarters of action, Diamond Bar boys basketball defeated cross-town rival Walnut 59-57 on Jan. 16 thanks to a game saving steal by sophomore Kenneth Thai and three game-saving blocks by senior center Evan York .
DB applied a full court press the majority of the first half allowing for the Brahmas to get in the open court and score easy buckets. However, DB could not clear a defensive rebound with the Mustangs attacking the boards. Even when a Brahma came down with a rebound, he was immediately surrounded by a herd of ponies, which allowed for Walnut to get layups.
Despite the obvious advantage on the glass, the Brahmas were able to stay in the game and even took the lead by the end of the first with remarkable production from junior co-captain Christian Manalo. He played nearly the entire first half and took on the offensive burden when it seemed as if the Brahmas could not score.
The second quarter was, however, not kind to the Brahmas. DB went through stretches where they were unable to make a bucket or get to the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Mustangs were forcing turnovers and getting fast breaks. The Brahmas were taking long jumpers which allowed for Walnut to run the break. DB was fortunate to be down by only three by the end of the first half.
The Brahmas came out with a new sense of purpose to start the second half attacking the basket, allowing for kickouts to open shooters. DB started the half off with three three-pointers by seniors Marcus Favela and Sam Ting and junior Daniel Thai. However, the Brahmas’ rebounding troubles persisted allowing for the Mustangs to stay in the game. The two teams were essentially trading baskets, ending the third quarter 46-47.
The fourth quarter was for the taking. Neither team allowed a basket with stellar defense, refusing to lose arguably one of the most significant games of the year. With a little less than a minute to go in the game, Thai picked the bal while the Mustangs were trying to push the ball up the court on a fastbreak to give the Brahmas the lead 59-57. “It was just crazy because I’ve never done that in my life. Just to win it on a Walnut game is amazing,” Thai commented.
With time for only one possession, the Brahmas had to get a stop to win the game. On the out-of-bounds play by the Mustangs, York proceeded to block the ball twice on layup attempts. However, the Brahmas would then turn the ball over with 1.3 seconds left on the clock while trying to inbound the ball. On the catch-and-shoot for Walnut, York blocked a jumper to end the game 59-57. “I just had to have my team’s back. I wasn’t going to let them win or tie. I just wanted the game to be over,” York admitted.
Diamond Bar trampled the Mustangs in last year’s game at home 50-30. This year, however, was a totally different story. “It was great. There was a lot of hype and excitement and we came over a lot of adversity to win. [We] had a couple plays to secure the victory,” Coach Ty Watkins said.
With a 6-2 league record, Diamond Bar is in a prime position to play for the league championship. Despite losing key players and contributors, Diamond Bar has found its stride utilizing teamwork and unity as a catalyst. “We’re hoping to play the last game of the season at home against Bonita. By the time Feb. 8 rolls around, we hope the gym will be packed because we’ll be playing for a league championship,” Watkins commented.