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The presentation was made during the town council meeting with the entire team and their coaches in attendance. Team members David Ahazie, Cade Bennett, Chase Bennett, Emmanuel Callas, Jake Chan, Rex Curtiss, Ryan Jeter, Aidan Mahaney, Carter Mahaney, Peter O'Donnell, Matt Radell, Peter Schmitz, Tyler Smith and Maxwell Weaver were guided to victory by head coach Steven Dyer and assistant coaches Drew McDonald and Chris Dyer.
During the championship game, Campo battled a heavily favored Colony High School from Ontario, California, in the grand setting of Sacramento's Golden 1 Center. Colony typically averaged 71.8 points per game, but the Cougars managed to disrupt their offense and outrebound Colony 37-28, thereby soundly thrashing the southern California team 55-40.
During the proclamation presentation, a modest Steven Dyer was asked to say a few words to the crowd of proud parents and well-wishers: "I really think that this group did a good job of bonding throughout the year. Obviously, as the playoffs progressed we were playing our best basketball, so we really appreciate this honor."
Much has been made of the fact that the Cougars are a basically very young team, losing only four seniors to graduation. They have been referred to as "the baby cougars." However, if youth comes with this caliber of finesse, camaraderie, grit and determination to bring home a first-ever in the school`s 57-year history basketball state championship trophy to Moraga, then Campolindo had better make more room in the trophy case.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA