Citrus Valley defeated at home by Yucaipa despite their fight until the end

By BRANDON SAGLAM

Citrus Valley Blackhawks would host Yucaipa Thunderbirds in this rivalry matchup. The Blackhawks were searching to add a win to their league record having been 0-9 coming into the game. Yucaipa also looking to add a win as they had faced similar adversity in league competition coming into the game with a 2-7 record. The Thunderbirds, positive as they were coming off a win against Cajon and were resting just above the Blackhawks in Citrus Belt League standings.

Before the game began in honor there was a moment of silence for the referee, Robert Murphy, who was originally was the intended referee of the game since he had unfortunately passed away that morning due to a heart attack.

Here is a look at the game:

Citrus Valley ecstatic during pre-game as it would be the Blackhawks senior night for their players.

Despite the energy, the Blackhawks would face a solid defensive matchup against the Thunderbirds whose defensive zones efficiently prevented Blackhawk drives into the paint.

Thunderbird’s center sophomore Mitchell Carpenter shoots over senior Marc Chavez. Citrus Valley would suffer in the first quarter being down 20-11.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Citrus Valley would begin working their way into the paint as freshman forward James Taylor goes up for two points.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Citrus Valley would also begin to slow down Yucaipa’s offense with better defensive coverage. Blackhawk forward, freshman James Taylor, would contest and prevent a Thunderbird floater.

Yucaipa would still find success as they found gaps in Citrus Valley’s defense. Yucaipa center, senior captain Josh Brischke would attempt a layup contested by Citrus Valley’s D’Jallon Hanna and Nate Coppi.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Yucaipa’s quick and pass first offense had Citrus Valley’s defense in constant movement throughout the night. Yucaipa guard, sophomore Michael Joaquin, carrying the ball up the court during a fast break.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Citrus Valley senior A.J. Burroughs fights his way through a cluttered Yucaipa defense in the paint for two points.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Yucaipa’s Thunderbirds relentless though as they met Citrus Valleys challenge. Yucaipa guard, senior captain Blake Rodriguez, attempts to score over contention from both Blackhawks A.J. Burroughs and Daniel Melero. The half would end Yucaipa on top 36-28.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Citrus Valley senior A.J. Burroughs going up over Yucaipa defenders to score.
(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Citrus Valley would fight back into contention cutting Yucaipa’s lead to two points down 44-42 at a point in the third quarter. The third quarter would still end with Yucaipa up 47-42 though.

Citrus Valley despite the surge in the third quarter and managing to keep Yucaipa’s lead below five points throughout the fourth quarter until the final minute would still eventually lose 59-50 in the end. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Yucaipa would place a damper on Citrus Valley’s senior night but can celebrate in adding a third win to their league record against their rivals. This game saw Yucaipa end with a record of 3-7, whereas, Citrus Valley end the season with a 0-10 winless record in the Citrus Belt League.