UPDATE: Granada High School triumphed over Fremont-Oakland with a nail-biting 72-70 victory in overtime, a match that showcased the Matadors’ resurgence in the East Bay Athletic League. The game, held January 6, 2024, at McClymonds gymnasium, highlighted Granada’s renewed confidence and determination as they extended their impressive record to 8 wins in 10 games this season.
Granada’s standout player, Brandon Hahn, delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring 25 points and securing 15 rebounds. The Matadors initially jumped to a double-digit lead but faced a fierce comeback from the Tigers, who nearly snatched victory in the final moments. Fremont’s Roy Bishop Jr. scored 20 points but fell short as Granada executed flawlessly in crunch time.
“We practiced this yesterday, being down and trying to come back,” said Granada coach Quaran Johnson Sr.. “I wasn’t nervous because we practiced it. It was exciting to see it all come to fruition on the floor.” His son, Quaran Johnson Jr., who scored 16 points and hit a critical game-tying jumper, echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the team’s growth after a challenging previous season.
Granada took control early, leading by as much as 14 points in the first half thanks to a well-executed motion offense. However, Fremont’s relentless full-court press allowed them to claw back into contention, eventually tying the game in the fourth quarter after outscoring the Matadors 24-16 in that period.
With just under 40 seconds left, Fremont briefly took the lead, but Johnson Jr.’s clutch jumper with 6.7 seconds remaining forced overtime. In the extra period, Granada’s momentum surged as freshman Malcom Davis nailed a crucial three-pointer, sealing the game for the Matadors.
Granada’s impressive start is a stark turnaround from last season’s struggles, where they finished with an 8-19 record and missed the postseason. Coach Johnson emphasized the importance of rebuilding the team culture that had previously led them to the CIF Division I state title game just three years ago.
As the Matadors look to maintain their winning streak, Hahn stated, “A state championship is what our goal is. We have to win the EBAL first, but if we keep going like this, who knows?”
In other notable games, No. 9 Amador Valley secured a 57-50 victory over No. 15 Oakland Tech, with the Bulldogs fending off a late charge from the Tigers. Ygnacio Valley edged out McClymonds with a 67-62 win, while Pinole Valley continued its dominance, crushing Elite-Vallejo 88-49 to extend their undefeated streak to seven games.
As the season progresses, keep an eye on Granada as they aim for a deep playoff run and potentially a return to state championship glory. The excitement in the East Bay is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this season unfolds.
