In the first round of the Division IV CIF state playoffs, boys basketball beat Ripon 60-58.

The third quarter featured a game-winning 24-point charge for the team. 

Going into the game, senior forward Alaap Nair said the team knew Ripon was a formidable opponent. 

“When they’re hitting 75% of their three pointers we knew they were going to be doing good offensively,” Nair said. “Basketball is a game of runs. We were more persistent and that’s (why) we got the win at the end of the day.”

Because a loss in state playoffs would result in the team’s elimination, Head Coach Jeff LaMere said having a one-game tournament mindset is crucial. 

“You keep winning little tournaments, and before you know it, you’ve done something great,” LaMere said.”

LaMere said this mindset was demonstrated through Paly’s nine-point comeback. 

“(This game) shows the toughness of these guys and the grit to be able to come back from a deficit like that,” LaMere said.

As Paly moves on to round two of the state playoffs, LaMere said he is proud of how far the team has come.

“It’s been an amazing season and they’ve done such a great job,” LaMere said “To see where our team is now from the start of the season and to be able to compete at the state tournament is incredibly gratifying. It’s a dream come true and as a player and a coach, that’s what your program strives for –– these moments.”