By Mike Blake
The Kern Valley boys basketball team closed out the 2023-24 High Desert League season with a 75-48 loss at the hands of HDL title-winner Rosamond (17-9 overall and 11-1 in HDL play), on February 7. The loss put KV at 6-13 on the season and 3-8 in the HDL. Ending the regular season on a two-game losing streak, the Broncs fell behind early, fought to stay in it, but were beaten by their cold shooting, compared to the hot shooting and a balanced Roadrunners offense. Rosamond had five players in double figures, led by sophomore Fabian Robles, who put in 19.
The Broncs saw nine players suit up and all scored in the game. Freshman Shiloh Galvan had another strong game, scoring 17 points in 28 minutes on the court. Senior Colton Carver was right behind with 16 points in 24 minutes, and sophomore Daniel Hinkey scored five playing six minutes. With two points each were seniors Kyle Denys and Ed Bunting, junior Zane Carver and sophomore Bryce Smoot. Putting up one point apiece were senior Zack Wargo and sophomore Maddox Beaury. Galvan and Hinkey each drained three-point rainbows.
On the boards, Kern Valley accounted for 35 rebounds, with Smoot, Zane Carver and Colton Carver each pulling down seven. Galvan and Zane Carver each dished out five assists and on defense, Zane Carver picked off three steals and added two blocked shots and Beaury grabbed two takeaways.
KV basketball coach Michael Henson said it was another game in which the end result did not accurately record the effort, desire and fight the boys brought to the court. “The guys fought hard all game, but the shots just didn’t go in.” The Broncs shot 34% from the field and hit only 2-of-17 attempts from beyond the arc.
