The Prowl

The Student News Site of Weston Ranch High School

The Prowl

The Prowl

Basketball Begins Quest for Open Championship

First off, congratulations for winning the CIF Division 3 Section championship game.
The Weston Ranch Cougars took on the Central Catholic Raiders last Saturday, February 23, and defeated the Raiders 67-42 at the Golden One Center in Sacramento. Playing in a massive venue like Golden 1 (capacity 0f 17,608), and facing a team for the third time in one season were two obstacles the Cougars had to master before they claimed the crown. As the night wore on, it was apparent the Cougars would emerge victoriously, it just took a little longer than expected for the fans to breathe normally.
The Cougars started a little slow in the first quarter and were behind 13-9; however, the fireworks we’re so used to witnessing went off, and the Cougars skyrocketed for the rest of the game, scoring nearly 20 points in every quarter after that. Those in attendance were treated to some spectacular play from guards Titus Haley and Mi Son Coilton. Haley hit some big threes, and Coilton played tremendous defense. Both players showed outstanding leadership and helped spark the third quarter rally which eventually put enough distance between the Cougars and the Raiders to seal the win. Gavin Wilburn added his usual outstanding effort, as did Raul Malgarejo, Devin Small, and Donjae Lindsey. Haley was named the CIF Sportsmanship Award winner for the Section.
The Cougars play away against De La Salle High School of Concord, CA, in round one of the Open Playoffs. The Open division will put the 31-1 Cougars into a tournament consisting of schools from Northern California with the eventual Northern bracket winner playing the Southern bracket winner on March 8. The playoff game tonight at De La Salle begins at 7 pm. Del La Salle will be a tough matchup for the Cougars as they come into tonight with a 28-3 record, are the third seed, and are ranked 14th in the State. The Cougars bring their 30-game win streak and number 10 State ranking to Concord. The winner of tonight’s game will play Sheldon High School of Sacramento who despite having a 22-10 overall record and a 7-5 league record was seeded higher than the Cougars. Sheldon, who again awaits the winner of tonight’s matchup, is ranked 17th Nationally and seventh in the State. It appears seeding was based on the strength of schedule. Both De La Salle and Sheldon have played great non-league schedules, and the speculation could be they are both perennial powers, and this is Weston Ranch’s first trip to the Open Championships. Regardless of the seeding committee’s view on Weston Ranch, the Cougars will again need to prove themselves on the court and not on paper.
“We need to take care of the ball and match their physicality,” said Teevan as he prepared for tonight’s game and spoke with The Prowl. ” Tonight has to be our most complete game of the year. We can’t afford to be unfocused for any period of time.”
Perhaps tonight will be victorious. Alas, there may be defeat. You can’t discount what the Cougars have accomplished on the court this year, and you cannot claim the Cougars are not an elite team and program. The Prowl sends our very best wishes for safe travel, positive thoughts for focused effort, and a genuine sense of pride to Coach Teevan, Coach Menzel, and all of the Cougars. You made us, and make us proud to be Weston Ranch.
Be sure to show your Cougar Pride tonight! The team has had a spectacular season so far, is 31-1 and on a 30-game win streak! You can’t say much else.

Story continues below advertisement
More to Discover
Activate Search
Basketball Begins Quest for Open Championship