By Anthony Sarinana

The Ayala Bulldogs and Bonita Bearcats engaged in an exhilarating boys basketball game on Wednesday, setting the stage for an epic battle between two undefeated league powerhouses. The air was charged with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the outcome of this momentous showdown.

From the opening tipoff, it was evident that both teams were determined to uphold their unblemished records. The Bulldogs surged ahead in the first quarter, with Jaydin Maddox and Josiah Yang showcasing their sharpshooting prowess from beyond the arc, propelling Ayala to a narrow 20-18 lead over the formidable Bearcats.

Maddox emerged as a standout performer for the Bulldogs, delivering a stellar performance with a total of 17 points. However, the momentum swiftly shifted in favor of the Bearcats, as Colton Perez ignited their offense with an outstanding 14-point contribution in the second quarter, propelling Bonita to a 43-33 lead at halftime. Perez continued to dominate, ultimately claiming the title of the game’s leading scorer with an impressive 25 points.

As the game progressed, the Bearcats’ relentless offense proved insurmountable, extending their lead to a commanding 60-45 advantage by the end of the third quarter. Despite a valiant effort by Ayala, the Bearcats emerged triumphant with a final score of 70-57, securing their unblemished record in Palomares League action.

Looking ahead, the Bonita Bearcats are poised to maintain their undefeated streak as they gear up to face Claremont on Friday, January 12th, while the Ayala Bulldogs are determined to bounce back in their upcoming game against Alta Loma. Both games promise to deliver another adrenaline-fueled basketball spectacle, with tipoff scheduled for 7 pm.

The electrifying clash between the Ayala Bulldogs and Bonita Bearcats exemplified the spirit of athletic competition, captivating fans with its gripping twists and turns. As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: these teams will continue to inspire awe and showcase the thrilling essence of high school basketball.

Game Statistics

Ayala Bulldogs	Bonita Bearcats
Jaydin Maddox – 17 pts.	Colton Perez – 25 pts.
Brenden White – 10 pts.	Jake Quintana – 11 pts.
Josiah Yang – 10 pts.	Hunter Smith – 10 pts.
Joshua Townsell – 5 pts.	Josh Kim – 8 pts.
Christian Martinez – 4 pts.	James Kim – 6 pts.
Jeremy Serrano – 4 pts.	Collin Henry – 5 pts.
Roman Lopez – 4 pts.	Andrew Sanchez – 4 pts.
Jonathan Lozano – 3 pts.

Photos by Anthony Sarinana