California High School was filled with glorious celebrations Friday night.
The festivities began with a victory by the boys freshman basketball team, followed by the school's annual courtwarming ceremony at halftime of the junior varsity game. Following the JV win, varsity seniors and their parents were honored for Senior Night.
Capping the memorable occasion, the boys varsity cruised past Eldon, 77-52, in a Tri-County Conference matchup. The Pintos, who improved to 19-2 overall and 6-0 in the conference, played their final home game this season.
"I like how everything was put into one night," said California senior basketball player Alex Dalbey, who was selected courtwarming King. "After it all soaks in, it's really special."
Dalbey, who finished with six points against Eldon, was nervous before King and Queen were announced. Senior basketball players Eli Freeman and Jaden Barr also were King candidates. Senior Haley Goans was selected Queen.
"It felt like I was going to pass out," Dalbey joked. "My heart was racing really fast."
Barr, a four-year varsity basketball player, had mixed emotions entering his final home game.
"I was almost in tears on my way to the gym," Barr said. "It's hard to believe this was my last game at California High School. It's sad, but things ended on a high note."
The win over Eldon guaranteed the Pintos at least a share of the conference championship. California was hoping to secure the outright title this week with a scheduled game Tuesday night at Blair Oaks. Final results will be published in the Democrat on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
"It feels great," Barr said after the Eldon game. "We want to go undefeated in conference. We've exceeded expectations, by far, for a lot of people. It's been fun to watch."
Despite all the fun and excitement Friday night, California players were able to remain focused. The Pintos raced to a 22-10 lead in the first quarter, extending the advantage to 41-20 at halftime. Senior Drew Norton hit a 3-pointer in the third quarter to make it 52-28.
"When the lights come on and we get a big crowd, our kids play good," California head coach Blair Scanlon said. "Eldon has some talent, but our guys had that relentless attitude."
California's icing on the cake was a one-handed dunk by senior Dylan Norton late in the third quarter, giving the Pintos a comfortable 60-34 edge.
"That was a heck of a dunk. We're all happy for him," Barr said. "Now, he has bragging rights on his brother since Drew missed one earlier this season."
Barr finished with 17 points, while senior Damon Shaw had 14 and Drew Norton scored 13. Junior Landon Mouse added 11 points and Freeman scored eight.