“Victory Ball” Returns to Brawley After Thrilling 52-48 Win Over El Centro spartans
El Centro - Playing exactly a month to the day after losing their first game against rival Central High, the Brawley High Wildcats boys basketball team flipped the game script on the host Spartans, winning the non-league match by a score of 52-48 at the Spartan Gym on Tuesday, January 7th.
The Brawley win was a reversal from the game in Brawley on Tuesday, December 17th, save for a two-point difference in the final score, when Central downed the Wildcats by a score of 54-48, with Brawley falling behind early due to turnovers.
On Tuesday night, the flow of the game was different, with the two rivals battling to a 24-24 halftime tie, whereas Central had taken a 25-16 lead into the locker room in the first matchup. The Wildcats again outscored the Spartans in the second half to secure the win.
The Wildcats were led by junior Ricardo De La Paz, who delivered a 20-point performance, including three three-pointers and clutch free-throw shooting in the fourth quarter, where he connected on three of four attempts. Reflecting on the win, De La Paz said, “It felt good scoring. It’s an important part of the game, and I do enjoy how our team played together to get the win.” His words underscored the collective effort that was instrumental in overcoming the Spartans.
Senior Mario Chiordi, Brawley’s only senior, contributed 13 points, including two three-pointers. Junior Joaquin Lofton added seven points to round out the Wildcats’ key offensive contributors.
Central’s effort was spearheaded by senior Daimaggio Wyatt, who opened the game on fire, scoring 11 of the Spartans’ 13 first-quarter points. Wyatt finished with 18 points and a team-leading 10 rebounds. Senior James Tovar added 15 points, showcasing his versatility with two three-pointers and efficient free-throw shooting, making five of his seven attempts. Fellow senior David Lopez contributed seven points for the Spartans.
Despite Central’s strong individual performances, they couldn’t match Brawley’s cohesive play. De La Paz’s scoring, Chiordi’s senior leadership, and the team’s collective chemistry allowed the Wildcats to avenge their previous loss. The victory marked a turning point for Brawley, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
