The Sierra Pacific girls basketball team has done it again. The Golden Bears are state champions.
Playing in the California Interscholastic Federation Division II championship, Sierra Pacific took an early lead and never looked back in its 56-47 win over St. Joseph (Santa Maria) March 14 at Golden One Arena in Sacramento.
The title marks the second time in school history the girls basketball team has won the state championship. It also won the Div. IV title in 2017. In 2020, the team had also advanced to the title game with it being cancelled due to Covid.
In the state title game this year, the Golden Bears delivered a composed performance, controlling the game with steady defense and tough offense. Sierra Pacific set the tone, playing with confidence and maintaining control of the tempo of the match.
Leading by double figures in the second quarter, St. Joseph cut into the lead and trailed just 26-24 at the half. But Sierra Pacific came out in the second half and finished the job.
Timely defensive stops and smart shot selections allowed the Golden Bears (25-11 overall) to hold their advantage and prevent any major comeback from the Knights.
Senior Apajok Ayuen led the scoring for SP with 15 points. She was able to provide a strong offensive presence throughout the game, leading to terrific defense. Her ability to step up in key moments helped Sierra Pacific stay in control through the rough patches of the game.
Ayuen was asked about the pressure she felt before and during the game and what it meant to her to play on one of the biggest stages in California.
“Going into the game knowing it was my last high school game really meant a lot to me,” she said. “I wanted to leave my high school career in a good way by winning another ring.”
The Golden Bears credited their teamwork, chemistry and overall trust in each other as a major factor in the win.
The championship victory capped off an impressive turnaround season for SP, which struggled early in the season, losing its first six games. The team won its final 13 games of the year. Along the way it also won its second straight Central Section Div. II title.
Coach Victor Chavarin Jr. siad he couldn’t be more proud of his team. He stated that his players prove him wrong every day during the post-game press conference. When asked about when he knew his team had the potential to win it all, he said it came early in the year.
“I knew we were going to be here ever since we played against Mater Dei in November,” he said. “Seeing how we were tied up at halftime with one of the highest nationally ranked teams in the country truly made me realize how far we could go.”
