Bonsall High Basketball ends season with five wins

The Bonsall High School boys' basketball team been on a roll with a 5-game win streak this winter, contributing to their current record of 12 wins and 11 losses so far.

The Legionnaires played against the Coastal Academy Stingrays, Feb. 11, in their highest scoring win of the season with 75-32. The game was also the boys' Senior Night, celebrating graduating teammates and co-captains Hunter Robillard, Tyler Harmer and Blou Diaz.

Before the start of the game, the seniors walked down the court with their parents. The players each received a plaque from Coach Chuck Colletti for their efforts on the team, while their mothers were given a rose by the underclassmen.

During the game, the team played strongly, working together well to pass the ball and scoring many points from layups and three-pointers. The following night, Bonsall played another home game against San Pasqual Academy and after that night was a third game at Borrego Springs High School. Again, the team demonstrated their team work by winning each game, scoring 73 points and 57 points, respectively.

With the boys' last three games being consecutively night after night, they played tirelessly and persevered each day to bring their best effort to the games.

Harmer said, "The last three games were important for us to have a shot at playoffs, so as a team, we all put in the hard work and made sure we got it done. We had lots of highlights, including several nice passes and good team play.

"At the start of the season, we were very sloppy and our team play was bad. We just didn't play well and had poor morale. Now, at the end of the season, we've been killing it and playing excellent team basketball, which has resulted in high morale and hopes for playoffs," he said.

Though the last three games were important, every game throughout the season made a difference to the players.

"Two games that really stand out to me were at home against Bayfront Charter and Chula Vista Learning Community Charter. Bayfront had previously beat us by double digits and we played hard and played together and we blew them out. We were great on both ends, but our defense was exceptional. Chula Vista is a team that took our league championship and playoff chances away last year, so when we played them at home, I was extremely happy to beat them by 16," Robillard said.

Bonsall High's Legionnaires, ranked 17th in the San Diego Section Division 5 rankings, will not be participating in this year's playoffs, as the CIF board decided Feb. 15 that only the top 12 teams would be eligible.

Despite this, the team is proud of what they were able to accomplish.

"This team played harder and more together than in the previous years. We were more of a unit and a brotherhood. Knowing it's my last year, I think it was important for me to enjoy all the ups and downs and have fun with the team," Robillard said.

Harmer also reflected on his time as a part of the basketball team during this season.

"Being a senior has made me appreciate it more and want to put more time into it," he said. "Everyone on our team was an important piece and without this great team, our success would never have happened."

Heather Holdo and Sara Barclay can be reached by email at [email protected].