In a decisive performance, Bishop Amat triumphed over Pioneer, winning the championship of the 71st Annual Doc Sooter Holiday Classic with a score of 92-45 on December 27, 2025. The match, held at Covina High School, marked a significant moment for Bishop Amat as they welcomed 6-foot-6 senior Christopher Blakely Jr., who had just become eligible following transfer rules.
Blakely, in only his second game back with the team, had an immediate impact, scoring a game-high 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. His presence on the court proved troublesome for the previously undefeated Pioneer team, which now stands at 15-1. Bishop Amat improved its record to 17-3 with this victory.
Bishop Amat’s young talent shone throughout the game, particularly Aiden Shaw, who was named the tournament MVP. Shaw contributed 15 points, while freshman Omar Cox-Labomme made his mark with three 3-pointers for a total of 19 points. “Our coach said we needed to play defense to win the game, just focus on defense and rebounds,” Shaw explained. “We got stops and started scoring and just moved the ball around.”
Blakely’s arrival has allowed his teammates, particularly Shaw and Cox-Labomme, to expand their offensive capabilities. “It helps a lot, because now they have more freedom with me here,” Blakely said. His contribution was evident early in the game, as he scored eight of Amat’s first ten points, leading to a commanding performance.
Bishop Amat’s coach, Brandon Ertle, praised Blakely’s influence on the game. “He had a big night, especially helping us with rebounds,” Ertle noted. “He definitely makes a difference for us, so we’re happy that he’s finally able to play.”
The game began with a quick lead for Pioneer, who managed a 7-0 run to reduce the deficit to 12-11. However, Bishop Amat responded with a powerful 18-0 run, extending their lead to 30-11 by the second quarter. The Titans struggled to recover from this momentum shift, ultimately falling victim to Amat’s defensive pressure and superior size.
In terms of individual performances, Pioneer’s Nicholas Mata led his team with 15 points, while Isaiah Janicke added 14 points. Notably, Bishop Amat’s Vince Diaz played a crucial role by limiting Pioneer’s standout guard, Leonel Castro, to just 7 points. Castro had entered the game averaging 35 points over the tournament and was seeking to break the Covina tournament scoring record.
Ertle attributed the win to a solid practice leading up to the final. “We had a good morning practice in terms of covering stuff, and the kids did a good job of executing it,” he remarked. “Continually getting stops was key.”
Bishop Amat’s victory not only secured the championship title but also showcased the team’s potential as they look forward to the remainder of the season and upcoming playoff challenges. The combination of established players and emerging talent positions them as a formidable force in California high school basketball.
