Fabian Soto is shown at the free throw line last week against Yosemite at MCHS. Photos by Amanda White
When there’s no quit there’s usually a reward and the Mariposa County Grizzlies boys varsity basketball team earned their reward last week.
The Grizzlies faced the Badgers from Yosemite at MCHS on Nov. 25 where they walked away with the win (71-65) after double overtime.
The varsity roster this season includes Colton Wilha, Lyell Marcis, Joseph Casner, Peyton Getty, Fabian Soto, Hunter Marlin, Noah Lilley, Jaxzyn Pryzbyla, Wilde Ketron, Brady Martin, Brady Arebalo and Emmit Wise.
The JV team includes Cooper Deglomin, Cooper Wight, Eli Marin, Keenen Johnson, Killian Outlet, Liam Fiester, Austin Battles, Nathanael Godinez, Peyton Coca, Ronan Davenport, Ryan Yanez, DaMarkus Johnson and CJ Jacobs.
Head coach for both varsity and JV this year is Frank Solis.
“I love it; this is a great group of kids and they’ve really welcomed me,” Solis said.
“Ever since I’ve been here working, everybody has shown me love and respect.”
After the Grizzlies JV team lost in a close game 37-34, the varsity team took the court.
Joseph Casner and Jason Casteneda take the tip off during overtime last week.
The Badgers quickly went up by six before Casner put MCHS on the board.
Arebalo and Soto were fouled and each player made one of two free throws.
Jason Casteneda answered for Yosemite but the Grizzlies tied it 11-11 when Casner passed to Arebalo for the layup to end the first quarter.
Yosemite quickly scored but Casner sunk a three-pointer followed by Soto with a three-pointer of his own.
Marcis passed to Soto for a quick layup to bring the score to 27-21 for Yosemite at halftime.
The Badgers opened scoring in the second half, quickly going up 31-25.
MCHS continued to grind and the score was tied 31-31 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.
Marcis was fouled and made one of two free throws to wrap up the quarter.
MCHS had closed Yosemite’s lead to 40-38 at the start of the fourth.
Fallon Vaughn made a free throw after being fouled by Casner.
Peyton Getty and Lyell Marcis guard Tatum Whitesides during gameplay last week at MCHS.
Soto was fouled by Yosemite a short time later. He completed the free throw and then made a layup for two after a turnover to tie it at 41.
Martin drew a fouled for MCHS and capitalized on both free throws.
After a three pointer from the Grizzlies, the game was tied at 48.
Yosemite answered with a three-pointer to regain the lead at 51-48.
With about seven seconds left, the Badgers looked like they were going to walk away with the win but the Grizzlies didn’t quit.
Soto sunk a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
The battled continued at the game was tied yet again at 61-61 as the second overtime period began.
After several fouls and multiple players shooting free throws, MCHS came out on top 71-65.
“In the beginning we started out a little flat,” said Solis.
“It was about trying to get their energy level up and staying in it while keeping their mindset on the positive side of things.”
Even when you’re losing, it’s important to never quit.
“I just reminded them that sometimes the game happens like that and we can’t make everything,” Solis continued.
“We just have to keep fighting and keep shooting, that’s all we can do.”
The Grizzlies and the Badgers had a rematch on Dec. 2, this time at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst.
Results were not available at press time.
Next up, preseason continues as the varsity team will travel to Chowchilla on Dec. 4.
Game time is 8 p.m.
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