San Dimas High School Varsity basketball had an impressive start to their league games on January 10th, 2025, with a solid 79-66 home victory over Alta Loma. This first league game also doubled as the staff appreciation event, during which players invited many beloved staff members to attend and be honored for their contributions.
Luke Chavez, San Dimas’ starting power forward, was the star of the game, leading the team with a remarkable 29 points. His performance was complemented by strong contributions from Nathan Yearout, who scored 18 points, and Jeremiah Garzon, who added 15 points. Chavez shared his thoughts on his standout performance, saying, “It just felt like a normal day in the lab. My teammates helped feed me the ball since I was hot, and I was able to do everything I’ve been training for.” His confident attitude and teamwork were key to the Saints’ success.
The game started with an intense first quarter with San Dimas leading 21-18. Both teams adjusted to each other’s strategies in the second quarter, resulting in a much lower-scoring period, with each team managing only 16 points. This brought the halftime score to a narrow 37-34 advantage for San Dimas.
During halftime, the school took time to honor the staff members invited by the players, and former soccer player Ally Lemos had her jersey retired in recognition of her outstanding career. 
As the game resumed, San Dimas quickly gained momentum, outscoring Alta Loma by 8 points in the third quarter to bring the score to 53-45. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with the home crowd playing a significant role in energizing the team.
In the final quarter, San Dimas surged to a 13-point victory, scoring an impressive 26 points in the fourth, which sealed their win with a 79-66 scoreline. Angelo Fares, the starting small forward, reflected on the team’s aggressive fourth-quarter play, saying, “When we smell blood, we go for the kill.” His statement highlighted the Saints’ sharp focus and ability to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes.
Despite the loss, Alta Loma’s players showed tremendous effort and determination throughout the game. They played with high energy, making sure to capitalize on any San Dimas mistake. This resilience kept the game competitive and demonstrated their commitment to playing hard until the final whistle. However, the Saints proved too strong in the end, and their dominant fourth-quarter performance was the difference-maker in securing the win.
