By Anthony Sarinana

The Hacienda League witnessed an intense battle as the Diamond Bar Brahmas clashed with the Rowland Raiders in a highly anticipated high school boys basketball game. With the league standings tightening into a three-way tie for first place, the stakes were high for Diamond Bar.

Despite facing the challenge of missing key starters Tyler West and Ethan Alphonso, who typically contribute a combined 30 points per game, the Brahmas displayed resilience and determination. The game commenced with the Rowland Raiders seizing an early 4-0 lead in the first quarter. However, fueled by an impressive performance from Antoine Tran, who showcased his sharpshooting prowess by sinking six three-pointers and securing 19 points, the Brahmas rallied to claim the lead.

With Tran’s exceptional form drawing praise from Diamond Bar Head Coach Henry Frierson, the team’s defense also proved pivotal in restricting the Raiders to a mere four points in the second quarter. Max Gao also made a noteworthy contribution, delivering 17 points and six rebounds to fortify the Brahmas’ position.

Heading into halftime with a comfortable 34-18 lead, the Diamond Bar team maintained their momentum, securing a 65-59 victory to extend their winning streak to five games. Coach Frierson acknowledged the challenging nature of the contest, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of the players in the face of injuries and lineup changes.

The hard-fought win further solidified Diamond Bar’s standing, as they now find themselves in a three-way tie for first place in the Hacienda League alongside Los Altos and Walnut, both with a league record of 5-1. Looking ahead, the Brahmas are gearing up to face the Walnut Mustangs, with Coach Frierson expressing optimism about the team’s prospects, especially if the roster sees the return of some key players.

The upcoming clash against Walnut is anticipated to be another fiercely contested battle, as both teams endeavor to secure a crucial victory. With the Brahmas’ unwavering determination and resilience on display, the stage is set for an electrifying encounter.

Stay tuned for the adrenaline-packed showdown between Diamond Bar and Walnut on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6:30 pm, as these two formidable teams set the court ablaze in pursuit of victory.

Photos by Anthony Sarinana