Diamond Bar Stuns Bonita Bearcats 73-66 in Palomares League Opener

The Diamond Bar Brahmas made a resounding statement in their Palomares League opener, defeating the #2-ranked Bonita Bearcats 73-66 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The victory not only launched the Brahmas to a 1-0 league record (5-8 overall) but also shook up the San Gabriel Valley basketball scene, as Diamond Bar overcame a team ranked #10 in the area—despite not being ranked themselves.

Brahmas Show Depth and Resilience

Diamond Bar’s offensive depth was on full display, with four players scoring in double figures. Tyler West led the charge with 20 points and 5 rebounds, consistently making critical plays when the game hung in the balance. Max Gao added 17 points and 4 rebounds, while Jedi Chow filled the stat sheet with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, showing his versatility on both ends of the court. Ezekiel Alegado chipped in 9 points and 2 rebounds, providing crucial support.

The Brahmas were especially dominant from the free-throw line, converting 23 of 27 attempts, including an impressive 15-for-17 in the fourth quarter. Their ability to capitalize on these opportunities proved to be a decisive factor in a tightly contested matchup.

Bonita Fights Hard but Falls Short

Bonita (0-1 in league, 5-7 overall) showcased their own firepower, led by standout James Kim, who poured in a game-high 26 points. Jakson Clement and Hunter Smith also contributed significantly, scoring 14 points each. The Bearcats matched the Brahmas from beyond the arc, with both teams hitting nine three-pointers. However, Bonita struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 4 of 6 attempts, a stark contrast to Diamond Bar’s efficiency.

Despite their efforts, the Bearcats couldn’t overcome the Brahmas’ balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.

A Stunning Upset

This game was a defining moment for the Brahmas, who came into the matchup as underdogs.

The Brahmas’ shooting was a key to their success, hitting 9 of 18 from beyond the arc and executing efficiently in pressure moments. Their defensive intensity and composure in crunch time were equally critical in securing the victory.

What’s Next

With this momentum-building win, Diamond Bar will look to continue their strong start in league play as the head into the Annual Classic at Damien tournament. Meanwhile, Bonita will aim to regroup as they too will participate in the Classic at Damien tournament.

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