This past Saturday night, Huntington Beach welcomed a huge Cerritos fan base to the Edison High School gymnasium. The fans were not disappointed as our boys varsity basketball team took home, their first division CIF championship winning 60 to 51.

The game started off with Senior Osinachi Agaranna getting the first touch. It eventually got to Toby Ozoagu who made the first shot. The opposing team proved themselves to be fierce as they fought back harder, also earning themselves a point in the first quarter.

As the two teams moved onto the second quarter, Cerritos scored point after point, just right behind the Yula Panthers. The support of family, friends, and teammates echoed throughout the stadium as they yelled “Defense!” And Cerritos, with the help of fans, were able to tie the scoreboard with 4 minutes left on the clock.

Senior Shay Pema shot a three-pointer in the third quarter which brought them to another close tie with Yula. This shot was then followed by multiple free throws made by Seniors Shay Pema and Toby Ozoagu, and Junior Benson Cho. Both teams fought tenaciously and with 24 seconds left, Cerritos took the lead with a score of 36 to 35.

Supporters of our Cerritos High School basketball team overpowered the gym with their cheers as our players moved into the fourth quarter. Both teams battled for another point until it was neck and neck at 4:24, but Cerritos took the point back at 3:53.

The gap only got wider as Cerritos made more shots, leading to a scoring of 60 to 51. It was clear who the winners were, and the crowd went absolutely wild.

As the team promised at the beginning of the season, everything they did would be in honor of Ethan Soriano. As continuing that tradition, #22, Ethan Soriano also received his CIF patch.