UPDATE: In a heart-stopping showdown, Granada High School defeated Fremont-Oakland 72-70 in overtime during the Double Goal Coaches Classic on Saturday. This victory marks a significant resurgence for the Matadors, who are proving to be serious contenders in the East Bay Athletic League.
As the crowd roared in the packed McClymonds gymnasium, Granada showcased their newfound confidence, overcoming a challenging match where they initially led by as much as 14 points. Despite a fierce comeback from Fremont, the Matadors delivered critical shots when it mattered most, solidifying their impressive 8-2 record this season.
Granada’s Brandon Hahn emerged as a standout performer, scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. His exceptional play was complemented by Quaran Johnson Jr., who scored 16 points and hit the game-tying jumper just before the end of regulation. “I wasn’t really nervous being out in this situation because we practiced it,” said coach Quaran Johnson Sr.. “It was just really exciting to see it all come to fruition on the floor.”
“A state championship is what our goal is,” Hahn stated confidently. “We have to win the EBAL first, but if we’re going to keep going like this, who knows?”
Fremont-Oakland displayed resilience, rallying from an early deficit and nearly clinching the game. Guard Roy Bishop Jr. led the Tigers with 20 points, and despite a fourth-quarter surge that saw them take a lead, they could not hold on. “We practiced this yesterday, being down and trying to come back,” Coach Johnson added.
With the season just underway, Granada aims to reclaim its status after a challenging previous year where they finished with a 8-19 record and missed the playoffs. Coach Johnson, returning this season after a leave of absence, has reinvigorated the team’s culture, focusing on resilience and teamwork. “They needed last season to understand what it felt like to lose,” he noted.
As Granada continues to build momentum, they will look to carry this energy into upcoming games. Their next challenge will be vital as they aim to solidify their place in the league and push towards state championship aspirations.
In other notable matchups, Amador Valley defeated Oakland Tech 57-50, with standout performances that keep them on track for their own playoff ambitions. Ygnacio Valley triumphed over McClymonds 67-62 in a closely contested battle, while Pinole Valley extended their undefeated streak to seven games with an emphatic 88-49 win against Elite-Vallejo.
The excitement in East Bay high school basketball is palpable as teams vie for dominance. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.