On Thursday, December 5, the Day Creek Coyote boy’s basketball team played the Heritage Intermediate Hawks. Predictions were that Heritage would win the game and Day Creek would suffer their first loss.

“I was so nervous, I thought we were “cooked,” and that we would not be able to win against them,” said Jacob W., a player on the Coyote basketball team.

In the first quarter of the game, Heritage started strong, jumping eight points ahead of Day Creek. Fans from both sides of the bleachers were screaming and cheering for their respective teams. The Coyote student section was hanging on the edge of their seats hoping that they could come back and keep their winning streak.

“I just really hoped that we were going to win or at least not lose by a lot so that we could be ready to play them again next week,” said Milania S. a 7th grader at DCIS.

The Coyotes began scoring in bunches as their nervousness wore off and their mindset changed. They scored ten points in a row, putting them in the lead. Coyote fans were up on their feet, cheering on the boys.

“I’m so excited. It’s so competitive, but I’m sure we’re gonna win” said Kingston L., a student and fan at DCIS.

Fast forward to the third quarter, as Day Creek was once again down by three points. The game had turned into a nail-biter. With only two minutes left in the quarter, Jacob W. scored a three-pointer, tying up the game at the buzzer.

“It was really good scoring all those points. I was locked in during that last half, and my mind was focused on the game. I was no longer nervous,” said Jacob W.

The fourth quarter came and Heritage started making their shots, gaining ten points in only five minutes. Day Creek fans were on their feet with signs in the air, and the dance team was cheering on the crowd, lighting them up. With two minutes left, the current score was 51-47 with Heritage in the lead. Day Creek scored two lay-ups, tying things up once more.

“The game was so nerve-wracking. I was so excited and nervous when the game went into overtime,” said Gavin W. a fan of the Day Creek Coyotes.

In overtime, the Hawks scored a lay-up, putting them in the lead by two points. Then Day Creek scored a lay-up of their own, tying the game once again. Ten.. nine..eight..seven..six… Day Creek scored a three-pointer, putting them in the lead with a score of 56. Heritage still had five seconds on the clock. Day Creek stole the ball from them once more and played it slow. Five..four..three..two…buzz.

The game ended with a final score of 56-53 with Day Creek on top. The home crowd went crazy. Day Creek students were on their feet, screaming, running to center court to congratulate their favorite players.

“Let’s go. I knew we were going to win. I’m so glad I got to see Jacob play and win,” said Enosh L. a student on campus.

Jaden T. led all scorers with 21 points. Jacob W. finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Brayden H. added four assists, and Hudson P. had five rebounds.

Up Next
Thursday: Coyotes at Hawks (Heritage Intermediate School)
4:15 PM (PST)