Tyler Martinez fed Babacar Pouye for a layup in the final seconds to give Cate a thrilling 57-55 victory over Thacher in a Tri-Valley League boys basketball finale on Wednesday night at Cate.
With the victory, the Rams finish in second place in league at 5-3 (12-7) to earn a CIF playoff spot.
Thacher buried a long three-pointer with 31 seconds left to tie the score at 55. Cate came down court and guard Tyler Martinez and Pouye executed a pick and roll. Pouye was wide open for Martinez’s pass and laid the ball in with nine seconds to go.
Thacher missed a desperation shot from half court, the Rams rebounded and began celebrating with the joyous students that stormed the court.
“Thank you to the Cate students and family and faculty and staff for coming out and supporting,” said coach Andy Gil. “It means a lot to these young men and Coach Joe and I.
“These young men will remember this game and rushing the court forever.”
Pouye had a huge game for Cate, scoring 25 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.
“Babacar showed why he was one of the best players in the league tonight with a monster double-double,” said Gil.
Martinez scored 11 points, including a big three-pointer in the third period to give Cate the lead. Jengus Eric had nine points and Marcus Scudder added eight points.
Rob Carney’s 19 points led three Thacher players in double figures.
“Awesome way to end the regular season as we await our playoff draw this weekend,” said Gil.
The CIF-SS playoff draw comes out Sunday.