Sports

Despite trailing 11 points at the break, the Gavilan women's basketball team didn't give up. 

GILROY — It’s rare that a preseason game bares so much significance. But for the seniors of Christopher and Gilroy High Schools, this was one of the biggest games of the year.

Christopher's Adam Mena took home his first place finish of the year — and that's not all.  The 126-lb. wrestler earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award after his top finish at the James Lick Varsity Tournament Dec. 20. The Cougars finished third as a team.  Mena was one of seven Christopher wrestlers to finish in the top five at the tournament. Dean Agustin (106) finished second, while Justin Garza (113), Keanu Calimpong (132) and Anthony Figueroa (145) all took third. Tobias Mendoza (138) and Jacob Myers (152) finished fourth. Zack Taylor (195) went 0-2 at the tournament. Cougar wrestlers were also competing at the Varsity Tournament of Champions in Reno on Dec. 20 and 21. Jimmie Lopez (113) finished 4-2, while Felipe Duenas (106) was 2-2. Mario Anchando (126), Raul Meza (132) and heavyweight Navi Pannu all went 0-2.  Christopher will compete at the Doc Buchanon Invitational at 9 a.m. Friday at Clovis High School. 

GILROY — After 10 weeks of training, the moment was finally here.

It was a battle, but a 38-point second half showing from its opponent was too much for the Christopher girls basketball team to overcome.

The Gavilan women's basketball team dropped its fifth straight, a 68-43 loss to American River Thursday.

The last few games have been tough for the Christopher girls basketball team. The Cougars have dropped their last three straight, including back-to-back losses in the West Coast Jamboree Tournament. Christopher fell 71-42 to Enochs of Modesto Friday and 45-35 to Mercy Saturday.  Cydney Caradonna led the Cougars with 14 points against Enochs, but stats from the Mercy game were not yet available.  Christopher will have a chance to snap its losing streak today, wrapping up the tournament against Petaluma at 9 a.m.  BOYS BASKETBALL Mustangs drop third straight The Gilroy boys basketball team lost its third straight game, a 70-57 loss to Harbor at home Saturday.  Justin Hale led Gilroy with 21 points, but it wasn't enough. The Mustangs are now 4-6 on the season.  Gilroy will look to rebound at 7 p.m. Thursday against Christopher at home. 

Christopher had two bad quarters against Brookside Christian, falling 53-40 to take second at the Bulldog Chase Saturday.

Christopher rode the hot hand of Chad Hartman to complete a 10-point comeback to defeat Hillsdale 64-51 and advance to the championship game at the Bulldog Chase Friday.