James Burns: A valentine for rivalry's heartbroken

It's the Tuesday after Valentine's Day and Cupid's warehouse is bare.

No candy. No flowers. And certainly not a diamond to spare or share.

Just a belated Valentine for a boys basketball team in need of some serious good cheer -- and some props for a courageous performance.

Golden Valley pushed one of the Sac-Joaquin Section's top Division I teams on Friday night, keeping the game in doubt until the final buzzer.

Ultimately, Merced weathered the storm, exhaling when two last-second shots missed their target, preserving Brian Cooksey's layup with 15 seconds left as the game-winner.

The cover of this Valentine's Day card is a simple but classic design -- hardwood floor with a lone, stationary basketball. In its shadow is the card's first stanza:

"You made it exciting,

this rivalry game.

The crowd, the cheerleaders...

the energy was insane."

It continues inside:

"Bucket after bucket,

roaring back from 15 down.

But it wasn't in the cards

and now Merced runs the town.

Everyone played a part --

Larry, Richard and a sure-shot named J-Woo

The three scored in spurts,

the way seniors are supposed to.

Down by two with 2 seconds left,

the crowd stood in anticipation.

Moms and Dads joined hands.

One reporter held his breath.

Screaming for a skip pass and flailing his arms,

J-Woo desperately wanted the ball.

But Trek took the final shot,

which wasn't a bad call.

The pain was real.

A few expletives flew.

This was more than a loss --

this was a loss times two!

Golden Valley's playoff hopes are dim,

fading ever so fast.

But one thing is true:

its future is bright, this season a fluke.

Sophomore Rob gets to the line

more than any player I know.

Trek is a beast in bloom

with room yet to grow.

The JV team is exciting,

rich with talent, range and sass.

By the way, did anyone see Adrian Hernandez's no-look pass?

So worry not, GV fans.

Cheer up now, OK?

Because there's love for even the brokenhearted

on this Valentine's Day.

James Burns is sports editor/managing editor of the Sun-Star. He can be reached at jburns@mercedsun-star.com.