Saddleback High School Boys Basketball Team’s Tough Semifinal Loss

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Saddleback High School's boys basketball team showcasing their skills in a playoff game.

News Summary

Saddleback High School’s boys basketball team faced a narrow defeat against Arroyo in the CIF Division 5A playoffs semifinals, ending their remarkable season with a record of 14 wins and 14 losses. Despite leading at the start of the fourth quarter, the team could not hold on, losing 60-58. Chris Trotter was the standout player for Saddleback, scoring 28 points. Coach Christopher Emaguna expressed pride in the team’s achievements this season, emphasizing their growth and preparing for the upcoming CIF Regional tournament.

Santa Ana, CA – Saddleback High School’s boys basketball team experienced a heartbreaking defeat in the semifinals of the CIF Division 5A playoffs, losing to Arroyo 60-58 in a closely contested game held at 7 p.m. on Friday. The loss concluded an impressive season for the Roadrunners, who finished the playoffs with a record of 14 wins and 14 losses.

The match was an intense battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. Saddleback entered the fourth quarter with a slim two-point advantage but could not maintain that lead as the game progressed. Kamren Dorantes of Arroyo secured the win by draining a jump shot with only fractions of a second left on the clock.

Chris Trotter emerged as the standout player for Saddleback, scoring 28 points, including all of the Roadrunners’ 17 points in the final quarter. However, Trotter expressed disappointment over missed opportunities, particularly with defensive rebounds and critical shots in the closing moments.

The Roadrunners had shown remarkable determination throughout the season, achieving significant progress from previous years. This season marks their best record since the 2009 team, which finished with a 14-13 record. Notably, Saddleback’s boys basketball team has reached the CIF playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season.

Saddleback’s ascent in this season’s playoffs included three victories. In the quarterfinal round, the team triumphed over Gabrielino in an exhilarating double overtime match, ending with a score of 68-61. Their performance secured a spot in the CIF Regionals, which are set to begin following the completion of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

The Roadrunners finished the regular season as the fourth seed after placing second in the Orange League. Their remarkable turnaround is evident as the team only won six games last season and two the year before.

Noteworthy contributors to this season’s success included senior guard Jared Quero, junior Angel Soberanis, and junior center-forward Karstein George. Collectively, these key players helped build a strong team chemistry and increased experience, which were factors highlighted by the head coach.

Despite the disappointment of the semifinal loss, Coach Christopher Emaguna expressed pride in the team’s overall performance throughout the season. He emphasized that the focus will shift toward the upcoming CIF Regional tournament, where the team will aim to build on their recent successes and continue to develop their skills.

The Roadrunners’ defining moments of the season and their recent playoff journey have instilled a sense of confidence and determination among players and coaches alike. As they prepare for the CIF Regionals, they will look to capitalize on their growth and come back stronger for the challenge ahead.