FRESNO – Sanger West’s incredible season, which has amazed the spectators and defied conventional success, came down to a wild and crazy ending befitting two conference rivals.
With approximately 10.7 seconds left, and the score tied at 57-57, the top-seeded Hornets’ quest to claim the Central Section D IV Boys Basketball Championship at Selland Arena came down to some questionable foul calls that sent the #2 seed Highlanders to the charity stripe. And just like that, McLane’s Keyvon Burcher sunk all four free throws to secure their thrilling 61-57 victory at Selland Arena on Feb. 27.
Before those final, suspenseful seconds, Sanger West had McLane right where they wanted them. The physical, up-tempo play that defined both of these teams’ encounters all season led to multiple lead changes that kept both crowds on the edge of their seats.
For most of the first half, Sanger West struggled to get their points in the paint, and in transition, where they’ve excelled all season. But despite the Highlanders constant full court pressure, the pesky Hornets stayed in the game, never allowing the lead to grow by more than eight points.
After a torrent first half of play, Sanger West entered the half only trailing 34-29. The game was still in reach, and ready for a Hornets second half rally.
In the second half, the Hornets started to heat up. With the help of Justin Armbrister declaring his presence with authority underneath the rim, Sanger West managed to outscore the Highlanders by a slim 28-27.
But despite the Hornets thrilling rally, everything unraveled at the worst possible time.
After Burcher sank all four shots, the Hornets’ admirable run to their first Central Section title officially ended. Sanger West head coach Mike Paredes was unavailable for comment.
The Hornets’ Justin Armbrister, who shared Player of the Game honors with Burcher, led four Sanger West players in double digit scoring. Armbrister finished with 16 points, and also crashed the boards for 9 rebounds. Kharon Parks contributed 14 points and Aedan Norton and Jordan Ruffin both tied each other with 10 points.
Despite the Hornets loss, their postseason journey isn’t finished. With a berth in the 2026 CIF D IV State Boys Basketball Championships already secured, the Hornets will venture on the road as the 13 seed against #4 seed Lincoln (San Francisco) in Round 1 play. That game tips off March 3.
