Bishop Amat delivered a commanding performance in the championship game of the 71st Annual Doc Sooter Holiday Classic, defeating Pioneer with a score of 92-45 on December 27, 2025. The victory at Covina High School marked a significant achievement for Bishop Amat, who improved their season record to 17-3.
The team welcomed Chrisopher Blakely Jr., a 6-foot-6 senior, to the lineup following his eligibility after the transfer sit-out period. Blakely made an immediate impact, scoring a game-high 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. His presence was felt throughout the match, especially early on, as he contributed to eight of Amat’s first ten points.
Bishop Amat’s young guards also played crucial roles. Aiden Shaw, a sophomore guard named the tournament MVP, finished with 15 points, while freshman Omar Cox-Labomme added 19 points, including three three-pointers. Shaw credited the team’s defensive strategy for their success, stating, “Our coach said we needed to play defense to win the game, just focus on defense and rebounds.”
Blakely’s return to Bishop Amat followed a stint at St. Pius X/St. Matthias and has provided the team with a much-needed advantage. Coach Brandon Ertle expressed satisfaction with Blakely’s contribution, noting his ability to enhance overall team performance. “He definitely makes a difference for us, so we’re happy that he’s finally able to play,” Ertle remarked.
The game started competitively, with Pioneer briefly closing the gap to 12-11 after a 7-0 run. However, Bishop Amat quickly regained control with a decisive 18-0 run, extending their lead to 30-11 by the end of the first half. The team’s perimeter defense and offensive size proved overwhelming for Pioneer, who struggled to regain momentum.
Pioneer, which had entered the game with a record of 15-1, was led by Nicholas Mata with 15 points and Isaiah Janicke who contributed 14 points. Despite their efforts, they were unable to match Bishop Amat’s intensity and depth.
Defensively, Bishop Amat’s Vince Diaz played a significant role by limiting Pioneer’s leading scorer, Leonel Castro, to just 7 points. Castro had entered the game averaging 35 points for the tournament and was seeking to break the Covina tournament scoring record. Diaz’s defensive efforts were pivotal in stifling Pioneer’s offensive output.
As the match concluded, Bishop Amat’s dominant display not only secured the championship but also highlighted the potential of their young roster. Blakely emphasized his role in facilitating scoring opportunities for his teammates, stating, “It helps a lot, because now they have more freedom with me here.”
The tournament victory solidifies Bishop Amat’s status as a formidable contender as they head into the league and playoff competitions. The combination of experienced players and emerging talent positions them well for future challenges.
