Tuesday, January 21st the Jaguars faced off against St.Thomas Aquinas, but this wasn’t just a regular game. This was a game involving a rivalry between two teams as they went up against each other for the fourth year in a row.
An emotional night as the class of ‘25 was being celebrated for their accomplishments and commitment to the basketball program for the past few years. Emotions ran high even for the underclassmen Jaguars who were awarded their 5A state championship.
The Lady Jags started off the night with a slow start, unfortunately ending in a 70-30 defeat to the Raiders. An unlucky loss, spirits were still high as the Jaguars celebrated the one senior captain Ava Rivera.
Heading straight to the boy’s varsity team, the senior ceremony began. With seniors Dylan Williams, Giovanni Belizaire, Justin Walters, Zeemari Days, and lastly Maximo Ortega being called up to the middle of the court with loved ones nearby.
“These past few years being able to represent this school and this program has been an honor, truly,” Walters speaks on this time on the team.
As the referee blew the whistle, the Jags immediately started from the tipoff with energy and determination. A tight game for the majority of the night, the halftime whistle blew and the score was 26 Raiders, 22 Jaguars. Jags went into the half with a deficit which let the Jags know what to bring out onto the court for the second half.
“Keep up the good work, continue to push, and dominate, the game is not over until the final whistle.” Head Coach Roca emphasizes to the guys during halftime.
A packed house in the Jaguar den, the game unfortunately ended in defeat with the final score of 58-46. This was the first loss at home for the Jags in two years. As the rivalry continues, the Jags and Raiders are tied 2-2 within the past four years.
An unlucky end to senior night, but the Jaguars are more than confident about a bounce back as the postseason quickly approaches.
