Posted: Jan 06, 2022
The Chabot College men's basketball team continued to get into a better groove last week.
Coach Keenan McMiller's squad walloped visiting De Anza 86-66 on Dec. 14 and bested Reedley 86-74 on Dec. 17 on the road.
The Gladiators (7-3) will travel to unbeaten Columbia (11-0) on Wednesday, Dec. 22 in search of their fifth consecutive win.
It won't be an easy task.
The Claim Jumpers, ranked No. 4 in the State Top 30 on Dec. 7, are averaging 88.7 points a game and coming off a thrilling win over fellow power Ventura, 74-73, in the College of the Sequoias Classic on Dec. 17.
"This is a good test for us on Wednesday, but I feel pretty confident about it if we do what we've got to do," McMiller said. "It's a tough place to play, but a nice place."
After that barometer game, Chabot will complete preparations for Coast-North Conference play with three contests in the Allan Hancock College tourney in Santa Maria.
Against Reedley, Diggy Winbush stepped up with 20 points, six boards, five assists and five steals. Skylar Robinson, a team leader, got back to double-double form with 16 points and 15 boards. Isaiah Pitcher (15 points), David Ogunleye (12 points, six rebounds) and Jaiden Rivera 11 points all played key roles.
Seven Gladiators hit double figures against De Anza as Christian Pitcher led the way with 18 points and five rebounds. Isaiah Saams Hoy had 12 points and five boards, and Malik Kaba powered up for 12 points, six rebounds and six blocks. Rivera added 11 points, Winbush had 10 points, five rebounds and six assists. Robinson and Ogunleye both had 10 points and combined for 11 rebounds.