Boys' basketball loses at the Pond, plays Clovis West in Fresno

Eisenhower High School boys' basketball team had a heartbreaking loss to Long Beach Poly by a score of 64-53 on Saturday, March 2, 2002. According to several newspapers, the loss could be attributed to the fact that this was Eisenhower's first appearance in a championship game.

Whatever the outcome of the game, the school has been joyful about their first trip to the CIF championship game. Sales for the game were brisk on Thursday and Friday, and by Friday afternoon, a third student rooter bus had to be added to accommodate the number of fans. Also, many staff members rode to the game on a staff rooter bus. Approximately, 1100 tickets were sold prior to the game.

When the players entered the Pond, they were greeted with a rousing ovation from enthusiastic fans. Prior to the entrance of the team, signs (see below) were distributed to virtually all of the fans--creating a sea of green and yellow. Unfortunately, because the signs were mounted on wooden sticks, the signs had to be collected again.

Despite the loss, the Ike team still has another basketball game to play. On Wednesday, the state playoffs begin and Ike is on the road. The No. 5 seed Eagles (27-3) open with the No. 4 seed Fresno Clovis West (27-3) at 7:30 p.m. in Fresno.

Good luck Eagles!