Boys basketball secures a victory at the annual Branding Iron

Summer Do

Shooting guard senior Jeremiah Vasquez advances the ball up the court.

Varsity boys basketball defeated Diamond Bar High School 69-62 at home on Wednesday, Jan. 14, marking their sixth consecutive win against the Brahmas.

The game started off strong for the Brahmas, scoring a three point basket immediately. With their offense clicking, they were winning on both sides of the court. Through Diamond Bar’s full-court press on defense, the Mustangs accumulated multiple empty possessions on the offensive end. The first quarter concluded 9-14. 

“We started off the first quarter not so well and some people were just nervous, so we were not taking the best shots and overthinking it,” shooting guard senior Chris Hernandez said. “Then our defense wasn’t the best, and we tried to really adjust that after.”

In the second quarter, the Mustangs got back into the game, capitalizing off multiple turnovers and missed shots by the Brahmas. Scoring many transition points and layups, Walnut was able to efficiently space the floor to get open looks. Scoring 27 points in the quarter, the Mustangs led 36-30.

“[In the second quarter], we just believed in ourselves. We defended well and after we calmed our nerves down, we picked it up and settled down defensively,” head coach Micheal Williams said.

Heading into the third quarter, the Mustangs continued to build off their lead, carrying momentum from the first half into the second half. The Brahmas’ offensive firepower was unable to overcome the Mustang’s superior defensive prowess, allowing the Mustangs to lead by a score of 58-49.

“We were really focused mentally on building the lead and making sure Diamond Bar didn’t comeback and make the game close,” shooting guard senior Kiko Guevara said. “I played well this quarter on the defensive side.”

In the fourth and final quarter, the Brahmas initially slashed into the deficit, stacking up consecutive successful possessions from defense to offense. However, despite the shifting play, the Mustangs were able to fend off a comeback through a multitude of clutch corner three point shots by Guevara, allowing Walnut to close out the game 69-62.

“In my mind, those are routine shots for me that I know I have the ability to make. I practice those shots every single day and to see my hard work show on the biggest stage is all I could ask for, “ Guevara said. “Me knocking down those shots surprised nobody as I know we needed them to close out that Branding Iron win.”

Williams gives much credit to the team’s hard work and determination, as they continue to build chemistry and success. He also praises the lively atmosphere in playing a critical role in the outcome of the game.

“There’s nothing I can say to express how proud I am of my boys. I’d rather go 2-25 for the whole year if my two wins are against Diamond Bar. DBK (Diamond Bar K) all day,” Williams said. “Being at home, the crowd fired us up. Our student section was amazing, and we had the Mustang mascot running out and getting us fired up. Without being at home, we would’ve probably lost this game. The crowd really carried us [to victory].”