On January 21st, 2026, the Porterville Monache rivalry delivered an instant classic. Both teams were undefeated in league play, giving the winner of this game a clear shot at an EYL title. Our Panther boys led for most of the time in dominant fashion. The place was quiet for about 3 quarters, which is not normal for a game like this; PHS even had a 20-point lead with 7:30 left on the clock in the fourth quarter.

But tides shifted in Monache’s favor as they stormed back and cut it to nine with 3 minutes to go, fueled by turnovers, bad shot selection, and a rowdy hype squad. Monache came back and tied it up with a free throw, 49-49, from Monache’s Gabriel Carbajal, making the first and missing the second. After missing the second free throw, the ball was deflected out of bounds. With 6.3 left on the clock, the refs initially ruled it Monache’s ball, but overturned that call to give it to PHS. 

Landen Haynes inbounded the ball and threw a dart down court to Braulio Contreras, who dumped it off to Aeris Acoba for a lay-in right at the buzzer to seal it and come out with the win 51-49 against our cross-town rivals. Samuel Catalina and Samuel Santillan combined for 25 points in the win over Monache.

Boys basketball now stands at 9-0 in EYL, after beating Redwood and Golden West last week. And with the win against El diamante last night boys basketball has clinched an EYL title outright. They will look to go 10-0 to solidify their dominance this year in a rivalry game at home against Monache tomorrow at 7:15 PM. Here are some tips if you plan to be in the hype squad rooting for your Panthers.

Rule number 1: Be loud. If you can’t be loud, you will either be moved to the very back or kicked out and replaced. No exceptions, you should not even be able to speak after the game. 

Rule number 2: Dress in all orange and green, or some crazy costumes. This is what made hype squads in the past the best. 

Number 3: Chant loud, as loud as you can, but keep the chanting appropriate. Show that panther pride. 

And finally, rule number 4: have fun. You’re there to cheer for your fellow Panthers. Have fun and bring the hype. That’s what it’s all about.