With the regular season ending, Diamond Bar’s girls basketball varsity team received news that it will be participating in CIF for the fifth year in a row. The Lady Brahmas ended with an 11-14 overall, and 4-6 league record, finishing fourth place in the Palomares League. Unfortunately, the team suffered a 56-21 loss against the Lynwood Knights last Saturday in the first round of CIF.

“They are growing up. [We] got to learn how to win those games. [We] don’t ‘win’ them, you learn how to finish off games. We are getting better,” coach Tony McCabe said.

Throughout the season, the Lady Brahmas struggled with closing out games, losing 12 neck-to neck games. In an away game versus Ayala, DB had possession of the ball and was down by three points with 14 seconds left on the clock and missed the shot that would have extended the game. Another example was when DB lost a ten point lead against Glendora in the fourth quarter. Glendora made four three pointers and a free throw within the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, winning the game 48-45.

During the last game of the season against Ayala, there were two minutes left in the game with DB up by four points. Ayala was fighting to maintain its first place spot and DB was competing for a better chance of getting into the CIF. The Brahmas came out on top, managing to win the game 53-44 with sophomore guard Juliana Gamboa leading the team with 21 points that game.

“I think this season was definitely a learning experience. The team really learned how to work together and bring intensity to every game,” senior co-captain Marisa Quon said.

For two years in a row, there had not been an at-large team that went into the CIFs. An at-large team is a team that did not finish first, second, or third place in its league. Since Ayala is co-league champs with South Hills, with a league record of 8-2, the win against Ayala was a major advantage. After beating the Bulldogs, DB moved above six teams in the at-large bids, eventually earning a spot in the CIF.

Although McCabe described the season as disappointing until DB beat Ayala its last game, he has much to look forward to next season. Rising junior Gamboa averaged 15 points per game this season and handled all the presses really well. Junior co-captain Destinee Garr was the leading rebounder and best defensive player all year. Having the two players who showed excellent skills during this season returning increases its odds at moving deep in the playoffs.