(Oakland, CA) Two years ago, during the first ever boys basketball game in AIMS HS History, the Golden Eagles were without several key players and were soundly defeated by 30 points. Their opponent?
The Golden State Prep Panthers (Oakland).
Now nearly two years removed from that forgettable night, the #1 ranked AIMS Golden Eagles (13-5; 13-2) faced the #3 ranked Golden State Prep (15-5; 8-4) for the second time in school history, an opportunity to enact revenge, and the chance to repeat as BACSAC Division B Champions on GSP’s home court. To wit, the Golden Eagles never lost sight of the significance of this moment.
After a cautious first quarter that was filled with nerves and brinksmanship, the Golden Eagles were down by two heading into the second quarter. After adjustments from second year AIMS HS Head Coach Jermaine Worley, the Golden Eagles began to and execute a game plan that they were familiar with all season long: play scrappy, fast-paced, mistake-free, and with fun. Once locked in, the Golden Eagles were laser-focused, played as a team, and received key contributions from two of its players.
#21 Ubadi Egeonu contends for a rebound during last night’s Championship Matchup.
Standout freshman Ubadi Egeonu, recently recognized by MaxPreps.com as one of the top 25 rebounders in the nation, and ranks statistically as one of the top 5 freshmen in points, blocks, steals, and rebounds, in the state of California, scored 16 points, 19 rebounds, and 4 blocks to keep the Golden Eagles within striking range.
Yet it was AIMS HS sophomore Wilson Wu’s sharpshooting, which included 5 three-pointers (just one shy of last year’s BACSAC Tournament MVP and AIMS alum Van Gerald Del Valle’s six) that not only silenced the GSP’s crowd, but drove the dominant AIMS crowd into a raucous frenzy. In the end, the Golden Eagles defeated the Panthers 61-45, and amid fan confetti, the team’s first and second championship trophies were hoisted for good measure. Ending the game with 16 points, Wilson followed in Del Valle’s footsteps and was named as this year’s BACSAC Division B Tournament MVP.
With 5 three pointers and a total of 16 points, 2 time BACSAC Division B Champion Wilson Wu was named as the BACSAC Tournament MVP.
For a team comprised predominantly of Freshmen, Sophomores, two juniors, and two graduating seniors, Head Coach Jermaine Worley echoed the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant when noting last night’s consecutive championship as his most challenging and rewarding yet: “It’s easy to win the first championship. But to win a second is the mark of a true champion, builds the foundations of a great legacy, and establishes a winning program. I’m truly proud of these young men!”
Following last night’s victory and social media postings, impromptu chants of “Back to Back” followed during their team’s celebration at In N Out Burger, in Alameda. While talks are already underway for a once in a lifetime chance to three-peat, for now, the 2019-2020 Golden Eagles will savor their double-double with grilled onions, and reflect on their growth as young men, brothers, and champions.
In two years as AIMS HS Head Coach, Jermaine Worley has a 25-7 record (.781 winning pct.) and two championships.
Congratulations to the AIMS HS Golden Eagles, your 2019-2020 Back 2 Back BACSAC Division B Men’s Basketball Champions!
AIMSTRONG!
