By Bekah Denny
The men’s varsity basketball team was victorious against Las Vegas High School on Wednesday, Feb. 17, kicking off the first playoff game. When the fourth quarter ended, the Cougars stood triumphant 84-70 for the final home game of the season.
Coronado immediately took the lead when Kennedy Koehler, junior, successfully made a basket. With one final effort, Koehler shot blind from across the court and missed. The Cougars led throughout the first quarter, beginning the second quarter ahead of Las Vegas 15-12.
“My first shot of the game gave us a great overall start to the game. It boosted our confidence,” Koehler said.
Jake DesJardins dominated the second quarter when he took the first shot. Wildcat DiQuane Brown, sophomore, flew over Coronado’s Bryce Savoy, junior, in an attempt to seize the ball, resulting in a foul against Las Vegas High School. By the end of the second quarter, the Cougars continued to lead 40-33.
During halftime, the senior class cheerleaders and dance members shuffled on to the court to receive posters and flowers with their parents for a photo opportunity, celebrating their last time cheering for the Cougars.
The Wildcats fought vigorously to gain the lead to no avail, trailing behind the Cougars 53-44 in the middle of the third quarter. Coronado maintained momentum and finished off the third quarter, leading 64-55.
Savoy started the fourth quarter with a two-point shot, putting the Cougars further in the lead. The Wildcat’s Ronald Daniels made a free throw, earning Las Vegas two extra points, but they still lagged 69-57 with five minutes left in the game. The Cougars remained on top throughout the five minutes and finished their last home game 84-70.
The Cougars said goodbye to their senior teammates during the annual senior night, ending on a high note as they marched off of the court with another win under their belts. Seniors Travis Boman, Steven Martinez, and DesJardins, along with their other teammates will be continuing in the playoffs.
“It’s bittersweet, this being my last home game. I’ll miss playing, and I’ll miss my team members, but it was a good game,” DesJardins said.
Their next game is Thursday, Feb. 18 against the Silverado Skyhawks. Liberty High School will host the game.
