This winter sports season, the boys varsity basketball team is ambitiously awaiting their first game on Nov. 18, against Great Oak High School at the Ayala showcase.
Last season, the Cougars won the Baseline League and continued to CIF until their game against Corona Del Mar, losing 66-70.
Hoping to compete in the CIF Championship once again, the Cougars have to get through non-league and Baseline games against challenging teams. One of the opposing teams, Etiwanda, riles up excitement school-wide.
Varsity player and junior point guard JC Corneille claims that the Cougars have the game in the bag regardless of what Etiwanda says.
“Etiwanda’s been trash-talking like they can beat us,” Corneille said. “But we’re going to put belt just like we did last year.”
Other upcoming teams to take on the RCHS Cougars include Vista Murrieta, Roosevelt, Oak Hills, Gardena, Crespo, Damien, Los Osos, Etiwanda, Canyon (Anaheim), and Chino Hills. These games take the boys into the Baseline League Tournament, starting Jan. 22.
The varsity team lineup comprises returning players senior Isaiah Fiallos, juniors Kavan Bowden, Jackson Edwards, Jayden Gatewood, and Noah Fuentes. New players to the team include seniors Farrel Marcelin and Conner Oatman, juniors Corneille, Carter Johnson, and sophomore Xavier Foster.
According to Gatewood, playing this season as a shooting guard, the team has been practicing before school at 6 a.m. Monday-Friday, and even putting in work on Saturdays.
Gatewood also insinuated that the season isn’t going to be a breeze; there are teams that will be reluctant to give the win to the Cougars.
“The only ones who would give us a good fight would be Cresbie, Damien, Etiwanda, Roosevelt, and Great Oak,” Gatewood said.
Setting a future president for themselves, the Cougars believe if they win Baseline once again, they’re going to go far in CIF rounds.
With returning players, new talent, and months of hard work behind them, the Rancho Cucamonga Cougars hope to make another strong statement this winter.If the team performs similarly or better than last season, Cougar fans should anticipate an intense, competitive, and exciting journey for boys varsity basketball.
