The Grizzlies have been valley champs the last 2 years and that has been the goal for every year. For this year’s team the goal hasn’t changed. Central was ranked number one heading into this season and looked liked the favorites to win TRAC and Valley but that changed when they lost Senior Forward Cam’ron Wilson for a couple weeks.

Boys Basketball final
The back to back valley champions are BACK playing great basketball at the right time. Just like the last 2 years

Central 108 Stockdale 63
Cam'Ron 30 pts 12 rebs
Jahmai Bartley 28 pts
Uriah Carter 21 pts
Cashemin Williams 13 pts

— PAG METER (@PAGMETER) February 21, 2018

The Grizzlies looked like a whole different team without Wilson going 3-4 weeks with him out. Central still finished the season with a 20-7 record overall and 6-4 in league play. The Grizzlies did get the 5th seed for the playoffs. Central played 12th seed Stockdale from Bakersfield on Tuesday night and this game was all Central’s from the opening tip-off. Central outscored Stockdale 32 to 12 in just the first quarter and would go onto win 108-63. Senior guards Uriah Carter had a solid game with 21 points and Cashemin Williams also had a solid game with 13 points but Senior forward Cam’ron Wilson just balled out in this game with 30 points and junior Forward Jahmai Bartley also had a big game with 28 points.

With this win, the Grizzlies advanced into the quarterfinals to take on 4th seed Liberty from Bakersfield. Central had to make a extra push in this game hanging on to a 71-69 win. Williams finished with 15 points,Uriah Carter finished with 18 points, and Wilson finished with a game high 23 points. Central will now face Sunnyside Tuesday night for a spot in the Valley Championship Game.

Basketball final
Division 1 Quarterfinals
No 5 Central 71
No 4 Liberty 69

The Grizzlies will host the Sunnyside Wildcats next Tuesday in the semifinals
The Valley Championship division is WIDE open!!

— PAG METER (@PAGMETER) February 23, 2018

The Grizzlies are healthy and playing their best basketball at the right time. Can Central make 3 straight trips to the Valley championship game or will Sunnyside pull another upset? Come out next Tuesday @7pm @CentralEastHighSchool!! Can Central make it 3 straight?

Central defeats Liberty 71-69 to advance to the semifinals!! They will play Sunnyside at home on Tuesday, February 27! Great job, Grizzlies!!

— Grizzly Basketball (@grizzlyboyshoop) February 23, 2018

Twitter: @tnijhar2 | Read all of his articles HERE.