In a tightly contested Palomares League boys varsity basketball matchup, the Diamond Bar Brahmas bounced back from a recent rivalry loss with a 69–63 victory over the Claremont Wolfpack on Friday night at Diamond Bar High School.
(Game photos included below.)

Coming off a narrow 69–62 defeat to Walnut earlier in the week, Diamond Bar responded with composure and balance, improving to 12–11 overall and 2–3 in Palomares League play. Claremont dropped to 13–10 overall and 1–4 in league action.

First Quarter: Back-and-Forth Start

The opening quarter featured quick tempo and multiple lead changes. Diamond Bar briefly took the lead when Jacob Kim knocked down a three-pointer to make it 9–8 with 3:11 remaining, but Claremont answered moments later as junior Elijah Jenkins connected from beyond the arc to put the Wolfpack back on top, 11–9.

Senior Ezekiel Alegado responded with a three of his own to regain the lead for the Brahmas, and the quarter fittingly ended with a highlight moment as sophomore Julien Bermudo buried a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Diamond Bar a 19–12 advantage after one.

Second Half: Brahmas Hold Their Ground

Diamond Bar maintained control in the third quarter, extending its lead to 54–49 heading into the final frame. Claremont continued to apply pressure, cutting the deficit to 59–55 midway through the fourth quarter.

Led by team captain Nolan Zitar, who scored eight of his team-high 15 points in the final period, Claremont pulled within two at 65–63 with 1:33 remaining. However, Diamond Bar executed down the stretch, protecting the ball and converting key possessions to secure the 69–63 win.

Standout Performances

Diamond Bar was led by Jedi Chow, who delivered a dominant all-around performance with 23 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, recording a triple-double and leading all scorers. Ayden Ellis added 13 points, while Bermudo finished with 12 points, all coming on four three-pointers. Alegado contributed nine points, all from beyond the arc, while Kim scored eight. Demi Sobiye added a three-pointer, and Zhi chipped in from the free-throw line.

For Claremont, Zitar led the way with 15 points. Jordan Trice scored 12 points, Aaron Gapo and Elijah Jenkins each added 11, and Dominic Xatruch finished with 10 points. Tyler Zitar and Knox Peng rounded out the scoring.

By the Numbers

Diamond Bar connected on 13 of 32 three-point attempts, while Claremont went 7 for 18 from long range. At the free-throw line, Claremont held a slight edge, shooting 13 of 19 compared to Diamond Bar’s 10 of 18. The Wolfpack outrebounded the Brahmas 28–24, but Diamond Bar won the turnover battle, committing just six to Claremont’s 11.

Up Next

Claremont will look to rebound on the road as it faces league-leading Walnut on Wednesday, January 21, with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Walnut High School.

Diamond Bar returns home that night to host Bonita, also tipping off at 6:30 p.m., as the Brahmas aim to build momentum in Palomares League play.

Photo Gallery

Photos taken by Anthony Sarinana