The Diamond Bar boys basketball team’s season appeared to be over. A three point loss at Rowland, a two point home loss against rival Walnut, and a devastating 20 point loss against Bonita killed the Brahmas’ hopes of a league title. However, DB refused to give up, crushing the California High School Condors away last Friday 64-50.
The Condors were favored to win the game after being crowned the league champions of their league with an 8-2 record. This, however, only further encouraged the underdog Brahmas to win the game. “We played a very disciplined and determined game for three quarters. We executed well on offense and did an amazing job on defense,” coach Ty Watkins commented.
DB controlled the game from the get-go, establishing its tough, physical style of defense and quickpaced style of offense. The Brahmas were creating offense through their defense, forcing turnovers and getting easy fastbreak opportunities on the other end. The Condors were limited to a mediocre 22 points in the first half while the Brahmas capitalized upon their scoring droughts, scoring 31 points heading into the locker room.
Despite a nine-point lead, DB knew it had to continue playing with desperation and hustle. This would result in a momentous 13-1 run for the Brahmas giving them complete control of the game. CHS was bothered by DB’s full-courtpress as they had trouble advancing the ball past the half court line, allowing for layup and open jump-shot opportunities. The DB defense was flawless in the third quarter, denying penetration and clean passing. On the other end of the court, DB was getting into the paint at will leading to kick outs for three-point shots. At one point in the game, the lead was up to 20 points. The Brahmas were making selfless plays putting the league champions on their toes.
Although the Brahmas slipped a little to end the third quarter, they would go into the final quarter with a 51-35 lead.
Finally realizing that their season was about to come to an end, the Condors started playing more aggressively leading to more fouls by both teams. However, CHS could not capitalize on the stumbling Brahmas as they continued to turn the ball over.
With five minutes left in the game, the Condors made their final run, slowly chipping at the Brahma lead. Through smooth and crisp passing, CHS took advantage of their size opportunity allowing for the Condors to get to the free throw line seemingly every possession. After a jump-shot by a Condor that cut the lead down to five points, all of the momentum was with CHS.
The tide was turned. The Condors had seized control as DB allowed for the Condors to get back into the game. The next play was crucial as CHS would be within one possession if it scored on the next possession. With only a few seconds left on the shot clock, junior Leo Li hit a tough contested jumper to stop the Condor run and bring the lead back up to seven points. The Brahmas would then get a stop on the next two possessions including a block and an and-one to ice the game. “It felt good. The last time we won a game in CIF was 2005, so it was big,” junior Leo Li said.
DB went on to play El Toro yesterday at home. “El Toro will be one of our biggest challenges of the season. They are big, shoot extremely well. The hope is our big crowd can help us get confidence to defeat this very good team,” Watkins added.
