Skyline league play ends with matchups against Rim of the World as Colton celebrates fans

Girls win a nailbiter, boys lose to undefeated Scots, and the fans are rewarded with games, DJ, public address announcer, and a taco man

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J. Dollins

Girls basketball walks off the court against Rim of the World victorious.

Colton, CA—Both of Colton’s basketball teams started their seasons on fire, entering the Winter Break with winning records. The new year, however, has not been so kind, as both teams struggled to find wins once Skyline league play began. Both teams entered last night’s final league game winless in their respective leagues.

The girl’s team came out victorious in a nailbiter, defeating the Flying Scots 34-32. The boys remained winless, getting blown out in the second half by Rim, 75-50.

The final league game of the season before tournament play begins next week provided the teams with an opportunity to give a little bit of fun back to their supportive fans. They hosted future Yellowjackets from Paul J. Rogers Elementary, with all children getting free admission, and reduced price tickets for adults. Mascots from both Rogers and Colton High hanged out together for photo ops as the kids played games during the halftime. And a local taco man was brought out to provide the food.

To emcee the festivities, Colton basketball called on CHS alum, and current Cal State San Bernardino Public Address Announcer, Michael Wexler. Wexler brought energy and enthusiasm as he called the game. A local DJ also played music to pump up the crowd between quarters.

In terms of basketball, the girls’ victory was their first of the season in Skyline league play. They took an early 9-2 advantage over the Scots in the opening quarter with a balanced attack, getting contributions from Brianna Chacon, Lia Tovar, Izabella Oliver, and Savannah Govea.

Rim fought back in the second quarter to close the Yellowjacket lead to 5 at the half, 14-9. In the third, it looked like Colton was going to put the game away, going up 21-9 as the defense picked up multiple steals, but Rim closed out the third strong on a 7-4 run.

The Scots pulled even closer to kick off the fourth quarter as Colton struggled to find their flow against Rim’s pressure. Tovar and Govea ended the game strong in the last two minutes as Tovar hit a huge 3-pointer to put Colton up 32-28 and Govea got a layup off a Rim turnover to put the score at 34-28.

After the intermission, boys varsity squared off against Rim’s undefeated team. The team played strong in the first half, going into the halftime only down four. However, in the second half, Rim asserted its size advantage, dominating the offensive boards, and getting easy shots at the rim. Colton fought hard, despite the disadvantage, but lost by 25, 75-50.

With the regular season at a close, league tournament play begins next week on February 1. Girls varsity will travel across town to Bloomington to play the Bruins, and the boys will head up the mountain for a rematch against Rim of the World. Both game times are at 6:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the girls have one final home game on Friday against Kaiser High for Senior Night. Game time will be at 5:30.