Colton, CA—Confetti popped and Gatorade showered center court last night as the Colton High girls basketball team celebrated their first league championship in school history.
For the Lady Yellowjackets, they learned of their title with 12 seconds remaining in their 43-35 loss to Notre Dame in the Skyline League Tournament.
After a game marked by nerves and expectations, they spent the last minute of the game looking disheartened as they believed Notre Dame might steal off with the league crown. That was when head coach Keisha Young made the decision to let the team know: despite the loss, their 5-1 record in league play, combined with their victory over Rim of the World on Tuesday earned them enough points to maintain first place and the league title.
For the team, this title is a crowning achievement for a program that has long struggled to find wins, let alone success. Co-captain Savannah Govea said, “It means everything to me. It’s been a crazy couple, three years. We’ve been chasing it so long.”
“It means everything,” co-captain Madison Prieto said. “I’m speechless. I can’t explain the feeling I’m feeling right now. I’m just so grateful to be a part of this team.”
That was the sentiment shared by all the players. “I just feel happy,” shared Naomi Ontiveros. “I’m excited. I’m amazed for my team. We deserve this. Like we always say: dedication, desire, discipline.”
For coach Young, this is the culmination of eight years leading the girls basketball program. She remembered interviewing for the position and promising then principal Joda Murphy that she wouldn’t leave this job until she put a banner in the rafters of the Hubbs gym.
“It took everything to get here and we did it,” she said. “Great coaching staff, great players.”
But their shining season is not over. The Yellowjackets now look forward to the first round of the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, which begin on Feb. 6. Brackets will be announced on Sunday, Feb. 4.
