Image Credits: beniciahigh_official on Instagram.
By Sevanah Sandoval
On Friday, February 23rd, Benicia’s boys basketball team played Montgomery High School at Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park for NCS finals. Benicia advanced to this stage of the tournament after defeating SPSV High School in a home game, 52-69. The SPSV game also marked redemption for the panthers, as they lost their first match against SPSV 57-53 back in January.
Though the game was played on neutral territory, the gym was flooded with Montgomery High students and parents. Among the sea of red, there was a small section of Benicia High School fans sporting pom poms and blue and gold clothing, including the principal, Ms. Kleinschmidt. The cheer team was also present, boosting morale with their spirited cheers.
The game was a true redemption story. Though the team found itself down by ten points in the first quarter, they came back and won 53-50. This marked the first Benicia High School North Coast Section win since 1984, forty years ago. Upon the win, BHS fans rushed the court to celebrate the odds that were overcome and the historical moment that had taken place. In a mess of players, coaches, cheerleaders, and students, the gym echoed with cheers for Benicia, as Montgomery High students began to leave the gym.
On Monday February 26th, the boys basketball team signed basketballs at lunch to celebrate the history they made and their advancement to the state bracket. In addition, I was able to interview a handful of players via email. These are their responses to the three questions I asked.
- What are you most excited for as the team advances?
“I am most excited to see where we can get into the state playoffs and hopefully [win].”
–Brandon Earl, Senior, Point Guard, #0
“I am most excited to show why we are underrated by everyone, and why we should get the same recognition as other teams.”
–Jacob Edwards, Senior, Point Guard/Forward, #5
“I’m most excited for the challenge to win it all in state and prove even more people wrong.”
–Jackdan Eyike, Junior, Primary Shooting Guard/Secondary Point Guard, #22
- What do you attribute the win to?
“I attribute the win to the historic season we’ve had.”
–Jacob Edwards, Senior, Point Guard/Forward, #5
“To the entire team top to bottom, without maximum efforts from our starters, bench players, and even hyping the team up from the bench, we wouldn’t be here.”
–Jackdan Eyike, Junior, Primary Shooting Guard/Secondary Point Guard, #22
- What is your favorite part of being on the basketball team?
“My favorite part is being with my friends and being [a part] of this historical run.”
–Brandon Earl, Senior, Point Guard, #0
“My favorite part about the team is our chemistry with all 16 players. All season we’ve had a lot of fun together and it’s contributed to our success.”
–Jacob Edwards, Senior, Point Guard/Forward, #5
“My favorite part is that I am playing this sport competitively with my friends as my teammates, and knowing how competitive they are, it makes it really fun and also makes us a very hard team to beat in general.”
–Jackdan Eyike, Junior, Primary Shooting Guard/Secondary Point Guard, #22
The win also held extra sentimental value for one player, as Brandon Earl stated that he dedicated the win to a friend that passed away.
On February 27th, the Panthers will play Jesuit High School in Sacramento. Until then, Go Panthers!
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