The atmosphere was electric Wednesday night at the boy’s CIF-SS Division 3AAA basketball playoff game, Colton vs. West Torrance. Unfortunately, Colton’s season came to an end with 62-44 loss.

Colton was disappointed with the loss, but accomplished what had not been done in over 40 years at Colton High School.  The team won the first league championship since 1967, being undefeated in the Sunkist league, this championship happened five seasons after basketball had a 0-23 season.

Senior Guard, Richie Medina said, “It would have been nice to win a playoff game, but I’m proud of my team and what we accomplished.”

Colton Varsity Coach, Ty Gordon said, “After the emotions of the loss go away, they’ll see they did something special. We lost tonight, but one loss doesn’t negate what they achieved this season.

Colton got off to a fast start with a 14-12 lead after the first quarter.  West Torrance turned the game around in the second quarter, being lead by Terrell Carter, their 6’7” center.  Terrell scored 22 points and 18 rebounds. Colton never recovered from West Torrance’s noticeable height advantage.

“We know Colton’s tallest player was about 6’3”, so we had to take advantage of our biggest strength. West Torrance coach Paul Nitake said. “Terrell was a force inside.”

“Carter is very wide, so it’s tough to get around him and defend him,” Coach Gordon said. “We had to start defending the perimeter as the game went along, and that opened things up and gave him even more space inside.”

Richie Medina scored 11 points, and Jonathan Tuiasosopo added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Despite the loss, Colton should be extremely proud of themselves and hold their heads high for the amazing season they have had.  Congratulations to the 2013 Sunkist League Varsity Basketball Champions!