It was truly one for the ages last Friday night in a packed Walter Wright Gymnasium on the campus of Chowchilla Union High School, as the boys and girls varsity basketball teams swept Washington Union High School Panthers on a night that featured four games, a near capacity crowd and the electric feel that something big was about to happen.</p><p>Washington entered the evening with their usual level of confidence, as they are fresh off the heels of a CIF State football championship and distant memories of the last time they lost to CUHS in boys or girls basketball &#x85; much less on the same night.</p><p>Following two very well-played JV contests in which the CUHS girls won and the boys dropped a tough one, the varsity girls game began with the Lady Redskins playing smothering defense in a low-scoring 37-34 win.</p><p>Every time the Lady Panthers looked to make a run at taking the lead, it was Jordan Lasiter with a key bucket, Ammari Gaines with a steal, Shelby Seals with a key defensive play or Samantha Seals with an important rebound.</p><p>"This win gives our team the confidence needed to now not just compete with the upper teams in our league, but to win," said head varsity coach Bub Smith. Lasiter shined the entire game, scoring 21 points, gathering six rebounds and collected seven steals. She was also a perfect six for six at the free-throw line and hit two clutch ones in the final seconds to secure the win.</p><p>"We were a little nervous heading into the game but as the game progressed we gained a lot of confidence," said Jordan. Gaines added four points, three steals and three assists, while Sam Seals scored two points and collected nine rebounds and Michelle Umphenour added four points. The ladies are now 11-4 overall and 2-0 in the NSL &#x97; traveling to both Kerman on Tuesday and Yosemite on Friday of this week.</p><p>By the time the boys game began, the house was already buzzing and filled with excited fans. The boys also began the game with a smothering defense and fundamental offense that put the Panthers into a tailspin of missed shots and turnovers, as CUHS built a quick 16-6 lead and on their way to a 54-44 victory.</p><p>"We knew they were very athletic, and I told the kids just to play our game," said head coach Fred Gaines. "We were the smarter team, and our kids gave it all they had from start to finish."</p><p>As it turned out &#x85; his players had a lot to give. The Redskins' defensive intensity gave the team 17 steals and they always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, especially Sean Kinsley who poured in 17 points, collected eight offensive rebounds and swiped five steals. He hit several key shots, got an offensive board or stole the ball right when the team needed it.</p><p>"We took advantage of their early foul trouble and it gave us a chance for some takeaways," said Kinsley.</p><p>Senior Devin Gaines also had several timely scores or steals in the game, and showed great floor leadership &#x97; scoring ten points and swiping five steals.</p><p>"Our focus all week was to stay aggressive and not be intimidated," said the senior guard. "Once we got them in their half-court set, we knew it gave us an advantage."</p><p>Aaron Deathridge had another impressive night for CUHS with a double-double that included 11 points and 12 rebounds, and center Justin Hudspeth worked very hard defensively all night under the basket. DeVaughn Gaines (3 steals) and Andy Samaniego combined for 12 points off the bench in a true team victory. The boys are now 11-2 overall and 2-0 in the NSL and will also face Kerman and Yosemite on the road this week.</p><p>Athletic Foundation News and Notes: A reminder that the Chowchilla Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner is Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Portuguese Hall on South Third Street in Chowchilla. This year's inductees are CAF founder and 10-year President Alex Pittz; recently retired teacher, coach and administrator Mike Little; and community philanthropist Henry Massaro. Tickets are $45 each and available from any high school coach, CAF board member or from me.</p><p>AD Quote of the week: "He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community." &#x97; Penn State Administration on the passing of Joe Paterno.