‘This win is going to be a memory that lasts a lifetime.’ Merced clinches CCC title.
As Atwater’s final shot glanced off the backboard and into the arms of Merced’s Anaya Seals as the buzzer sounded, the Bears players began to celebrate.
Khya Martin couldn’t stop jumping up and down. Sierra Smith ran into the arms of Sarah Rivas.
For the first time since 2014, the Bears were Central California Conference champions after holding on to a 47-46 victory over the Falcons on Thursday night on Clemons Court.
“I don’t think words can express how proud I am,” said Merced coach Art Solis, whose team extended their winning streak to 14 games in a row and improved to 22-3 overall and 10-0 in the CCC. “Our girls fought hard. We’ve been committed to each other, committed to the program. They’ve worked together and it showed tonight.”
The game had a championship game feel as Atwater (17-9, 8-2 CCC) fought its way back from a 19-5 deficit to pull within 25-20 at the half.
Amoni Claiborne led the comeback as she found a way to get to the free throw line all game after two early fouls sent her to the bench midway through the first quarter.
The Falcons junior finished with 21 points, including a 14 for 17 performance from the free-throw line.
A Claiborne free throw pulled the Falcons within 45-44 with 2:30 left in the game.
It led to a stressful final two and a half minutes for both teams.
Sierra Smith scored in transition to extend the Merced lead to 47-44, but immediately Atwater’s Faith Ward scored on the other end to pull the Falcons within 47-46.
It was the same score as Atwater took the ball out of bounds with 8 seconds left on the clock.
“We like to run an iso play where we try to get the ball to Amoni,” Atwater coach JR Davis said. “We run a pick-and-roll. If Teresa (Thun) is there, Amoni can give her the ball. Otherwise Amoni can take it to the basket. She was good with her free throws tonight so we thought we take our chances.”
However, Merced defended the play well, not letting Amoni touch the ball. The ball ended up in the hands of Thun, who was guarded by Khya Martin.
Martin was able to defend with out falling and Thun’s shot hit off the backboard.
“It was tough,” Martin said. “I usually foul like that under pressure. I know she’s not a three-point shooter. I didn’t want to let my team down.”
Martin finished with 11 points and six rebounds for Merced. Kaitlynn Perez did a little of everything with 13 points, nine rebounds and four steals.
“It was a weird atmosphere,” Davis said. “We usually come out and play a good team game. Merced did a good job of taking away that team concept. They had a good game plan.”
The Bears have clinched at least a share of the CCC championship with two games left to play against Patterson and Golden Valley.
“This means a lot because we’re all going our separate ways,” Martin said. “We’re all best friends so this win is going to be a memory that lasts a lifetime. So we’re really happy.”
Boys Soccer
Atwater 4, Merced 2 in Atwater — Aziel Gutierrez scored two goals and Danny Ramirez and Aaron Perez both added one goal as the Falcons (4-5-1 CCC) defeated the Bears.
Michaelarron Ortez and Isaiah Goveah scored for Merced.
Central Valley 5, Buhach Colony 0 in Ceres — Alex Bautista scored two goals as the Hawks routed the Thunder to improve to 8-1-2 in the CCC.
Girls Soccer
Golden Valley 5, Patterson 0 in Merced — Yanell Ramirez, Kayla Perez, Kendall Court Annie Madsen and Angela Gaeta all scored goals as the Cougars improved to 6-1-3 in the CCC.
