MCHS closes season with win, doesn’t make playoffs

Basketball season is coming to a close for Mariposa County High School as the program finished up the regular season last week.

On Feb. 11 the Grizzlies boys team hosted Denair at MCHS for their final home game.

The team honored their seniors as they took the court for what could be the final time during their high school careers.

The JV squad put on a show as they took the win 64-28 over the Coyotes.

“It’s been amazing watching them develop,” said coach Frank Solis.

“That group is something special. They’re exciting, they played fast and hard and I couldn’t ask for more.”

Before the start of the varsity game, seniors Colton Wilha, Joseph Casner, Wilde Ketron, Noah Lilley and Brady Arebalo were celebrated.

“It’s been amazing working with these guys in the sense of leadership that they bring,” Solis said.

“The work ethic they bring makes it easier as a coach. They show a lot of respect and it’s been special to be a part of their journey.”

The varsity group struggled to find their momentum and lost to Denair 79-47.

“It was rough, especially in the beginning,” the coach continued.

“It’s hard when you’re a senior and it’s your last home game. It’s the last call and it’s emotional. ”

Denair went up 13-0 before a layup from Brady Martin put the Grizzlies on the board.

The Coyotes took over and led 24-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Denair continued to take it to the Grizzlies and the score was 52-16 at the half.

The Grizzlies scored a three-point field goal to start score in the third quarter but Denair continued to respond, leaving the score at 72-37 in favor of the Coyotes to end the third quarter.

All of the seniors for MCHS were on the court to start the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies put up 10 points in the final quarter but the effort wasn’t enough.

The Coyotes took the win 79-47.

“They finished strong. They came out in the second half and played hard,” Solis explained.

“It would have been great to have played strong the whole game but they finished strong.”

Le Grand was the final opponent for the varsity team as the Grizzlies faced the Bulldogs at Le Grand on Feb. 13.

MCHS finished the season on a positive note as they defeated Le Grand 89-36.

The Grizzlies finished out the regular season with a record of 6-6 (4th place) in league and did not make the playoffs this year.

“I’m proud of all of them, the seniors especially,” said Solis.

“Individually each one of them is going to be different but this senior group is going to be successful in life.”