Golden Valley hosted their senior night, on February 12, honoring the seniors competing in their final game on their home court. With family, classmates, and teammates filling the gym, the atmosphere carried both celebration and pressure. It also marked the final matchup of the regular season for both teams. Golden Valley entered the night 1–7 in league play, sitting in fifth place, while Merced came in at 4–5, holding fourth and looking to climb in the standings. With positioning on the line and emotions already high, the focus quickly shifted from ceremony to competition once the ball was tipped.
Merced came out strong, and right from the tip, Averie Steverson got the ball and ran it down the court on a fast break that got the crowd going. A’machi Turner scored early on a rebound under the basket, and later Steverson got another rebound. Golden Valley’s Alexis Diaz was able to keep the Cougars’ offense going by driving strong to the basket and hitting a few tough shots. The first quarter flew by with both teams going back and forth, making plays and keeping everyone on their feet. By the end of the first, Merced led the score 19-10.
The second quarter continued the back-and-forth energy, with Merced finding ways to score inside and outside the paint. Averie Steverson kept attacking the basket, and Aleena Trevino knocked down her first three-pointer of the night, giving the Bears a boost. Golden Valley tried to stay in the game with post shots inside. However, Merced was able to pull away as the game became more physical and free throws came into play. By the half, Merced held a 33-19 lead.
Merced came out of halftime ready to maintain their lead, and freshman guard Aleena Trevino hit another three-pointer early to set the tone. Averie Steverson kept driving to the basket, and finding ways to score even as the Cougars’ strong defense attempted to block her shots. Alexis Diaz continued attacking inside for the Cougars, keeping them in striking distance. Merced got a few put-back baskets from A’machi Turner and Steverson as the Bears’ energy on offense started to grow, but Golden Valley’s persistence made sure scoring never came easy. By the end of the third, Merced led 49-37, heading into the final period with a cautious lead.
In the fourth quarter, Merced tried to maintain their lead, with Aleena Trevino knocking down another three and Averie Steverson relentlessly driving to the basket, scoring and drawing fouls. Golden Valley kept answering, with Alexis Diaz and Mariah Morales hitting 2 pointers and making sure to never let the Bears pull too far ahead. The game got physical, with turnovers and quick baskets keeping the game suspenseful. In the final minutes, however, Merced’s defense tightened, stopping Golden Valley long enough to pull away and finish the game strong. The Bears won 65-50, giving both teams a hard-fought ending to the regular season.
After the game, Merced player Aleena Trevino reflected on the season and the win, saying, “This game means a lot, and we’re just going to push through and see what our next competition is, and we’re going to come ready.” Trevino said her personal goal for the rest of the season is simple but clear: “to get as far as we can, do it together and just play the game.” Her comments highlighted the mix of pride and determination that carried the Bears through the night, reflecting the energy and emotion that had been present from the beginning to end of the game.
With the win, Merced improved their league record to 5-5, moving up to third place, while Golden Valley finished the season at 1-8, remaining in fifth. Merced will now wait to see if a playoff opponent awaits them next week. The Sac-Joaquin Section playoff matchups will be announced on February 14.
