San Juan Hills Comes Up Short in Division IV Boys’ Basketball State Final with Last-Second Free Throws
SACRAMENTO — A Heartbreaking Defeat for San Juan Hills
In a dramatic finish at Golden 1 Center, San Juan Hills fell to Atherton Sacred Heart Prep 47-45 in the Division IV state boys’ basketball championship. The decisive moment came when Alex Osterloh sank two of three free throws with just 0.3 seconds remaining.
The tension peaked as Osterloh was fouled by Kellen Owens at the top of the key, with the score tied. “I’m pretty sure I was fouled,” Osterloh remarked after the game.
Earlier in the match, San Juan Hills faced a critical setback after committing their 19th turnover, which eliminated their chance to gain the lead. Coach Jason Efstathiou reflected on the team’s struggle, stating, “It was a tough ending. We turned over the ball too much. Nineteen is insane. Ultimately we didn’t do a good enough job handling pressure.”
Despite being down by 12 points early in the second quarter, San Juan Hills mounted a comeback, eventually taking a four-point lead in the fourth quarter. Garrett Brehmer led the scoring with 17 points, while teammate Rocco Jensen contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. For Atherton Sacred Heart Prep, Osterloh scored 15 points and Pat Bala added 13.
“There’s a little distaste,” Efstathiou acknowledged, “but at the same time we got to be here.”
San Juan Hills finished the season with a record of 22-14, demonstrating resilience throughout the tournament despite the bitter outcome in the championship match.
