Contributed
The Sierra Pacific girls basketball team had a spectacular season this last winter, finishing their regular season with a Division II CIF Central Section championship. The team battled this season, becoming co-league champions as well. The Lady Bears strived this past season with unexpected wins, proving many doubters wrong.
On Feb. 28, 2025, The Lady Bears won the second Section title in school history, defeating two-time defending champion Monache 50-43.
While the game went back-and-forth, it was Sierra Pacific that came out on top, winning their first title in eight years.
“I felt the pressure the moment I stepped into the arena but I just used it as motivation to win.” said senior captain Andi Jones.
This title was significant to the history of sports at Sierra Pacific because it is the highest level a team has competed in and won.
On the season, Sierra Pacific went 25-9 before falling in the state playoffs.
To prepare for the playoffs, Sierra Pacific faced teams from high divisions from around California. Once league started, the Golden Bears were routinely defeating opponents by large margins.
During the championship game, nearly 5,000 people were in attendance. Rooter buses from each school brought the support these athletes needed the most. Student sections from both of the schools totally brought the energy, using their voices to start humorous chants.
Early in the game, Sierra Pacific started off hot from start to finish, leading at halftime. After the second half began, it was clear that this game would be unpredictable. Each team was hustling and working hard for a chance to earn rings but senior captain Asia Jackson for Sierra Pacific completely sealed the game.
With two minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter and the game tied 42-42, Jackson launched a three-pointer and drained it to change momentum.
“The shot just felt right and I was confident in it so I shot it,” Jackson said.
After that, the Marauders started fouling to try to save time but it was too late. Fouls piled up allowing the Golden Bears to pull away with free throws in the last minute.
When the buzzer went off, it was Sierra Pacific that was able to celebrate. The team celebrated its championship run by jumping, yelling and hugging.
They put on their championship hats and shirts, taking in the sweet bliss of victory from an actual champion’s podium.