The Fresno Christian boys basketball knew that all roads lead to Selland, but not always the state championship. This team – brimming with amazing athletes, coaches and talent — never thought they would make it to the big stage of the Golden 1 Center. With a hard fight, the Eagles place second in the CIF DIV State Championships being defeated by Priory, 83-66, March 15.
The Eagles fought throughout state playoffs, punching their ticket to the state finals by winning the CIF DIV Southern Regional Championship against Granada Hills, March 8. The suspense and excitement for the championship game was electric with FC students, parents and varsity cheer team making the drive up north to Sacramento to support the team.
The basketball team walked out onto the Kings court with confidence and composure, ready to give this game their all. For many, this would be their last time playing on the team. FC dominated the first half, but Priory took the lead late in the third quarter and the Eagles were never able to catch back up.
Instead of focusing on the loss, the Eagles focused on the fact that this was the most successful basketball team Fresno Christian has ever had. The tight knit bond of this team will be something cherished by many like Senior Dawson Briner. He was urged by fellow classmates to join the team and is grateful for the opportunities that the team has provided him.
“This team is very special for many reasons, obviously how far we made it but also how amazingly the seniors have played this year,” Briner said. “We never thought we would make it as far as we did. I could not be more proud of how we represented our school and how we represented Christ.”
Senior Aden Millwee was awarded the CIF Sportsmanship Award for outstanding character on the court. Junior Devin Gaines was recognized for leading both teams with 21 points.
The boys’ season has come to a triumphant close, going down in history being the only team to make it to the state championship. All of the boys on this team are considered history makers and athletic trailblazers in the FC community.
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