Griffins continue proving naysayers wrong

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No one expected much from the Buckley boys’ basketball program this season, not after the graduation of Richie Polan and Hussein Habbibi, two key losses from a team that advanced to the Southern Section Division IV-A title game last year. The outlook was bleak, at best. There was no way the Griffins could come close to making another magical run. Could they?

It appears as if the answer is yes, remarkably enough. I don’t how Coach Mike Hamilton is getting things done with a starting lineup consisting of four sophomores and a freshman, but he is. And Thursday was another great example as Buckley defeated Yeshiva, 53-41, to clinch its fifth consecutive Liberty League title. Five in a row!

‘We’re fueled by people who think we can’t do things. That’s all the motivation we need,’’ Hamilton said. ‘We took our lumps early, had some bumps and bruises along the way, but hey, everyone does. One thing I can say about this group is, they’ve learned from every experience this season. They’ve always believed in one another.’’

Apparently so. With the regular season behind them, the Griffins turn their attention toward next week’s Division IV-A playoffs and teams such as Cerritos Valley Christian, Cathedral City and Twentynine Palms. There’s no doubt, Buckley will be considered the underdog. Then again, we’re talking about a group used to the role, a group that’s flourished when they’ve been overlooked. Somehow, Hamilton & Co. keep getting it done.

-- Sean Ceglinsky