Up, Up an d Away — Badger A.J. Gaona skys above the competition to attempt a shot against the Vaqueros. (Photo by Perez Photos) The Bishop Badger boys basketball team won in a 46-45 heart-stopper against the San Diego Vaqueros on Friday, Jan. 29 in Bishop.

The Badgers and Vaqueros went toe to toe, going into intermission in a tie.

The Vaqueros came out and took the lead in the third quarter, but with three seconds remaining in the game, Bishop’s A.J. Gaona made a shot from the paint to take the lead for the Badgers.

The Vaqueros quickly called a timeout to set up a play for the final shot of the game and a shot at victory.

Unfortunately for the Vaqueros, the shot hit the back of the rim and a rebound by Gaona ended the game with the Badgers stealing the win.

“I told A.J. that the ball would be in his hands and to drive the lane for a shot, with a chance at getting fouled and a trip to the free throw line, fortunately for us A.J. made a nice fade away shot for the win,” Bishop Badger Head Coach Mike Suarez said.

The Badgers improved their district record to 6-2, while holding a 13-11 overall record.

Bishop was led by Jacob Beltran with 18 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Also contributing to the hard fought victory were as follows: A.J. Gaona with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists; Grant Michalk with seven points, five rebounds and one assist; Robert Gaona with six points, eight rebounds and one assist; Dave Gonzalez with two points, six rebounds and one assist; Jacob Ortegon with two points, three assist and one rebound; Eric Barrientes with one point and four rebounds; Daniel Hinojosa with one steal and Brandon Haddy with one assist.

The Badgers will hit the road to face the Hebbronville Longhorns on Tuesday, Feb. 2 in Hebbronville.

Badgers fall to Cowboys 63-57

On Jan. 26, the Badgers traveled to face the Premont Cowboys and came home with a shocking 57-63 district loss to the Cowboys.

The Cowboy victory was their first in this year’s district season

The Badgers were led by A.J. Gaona with 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

Also contributing to the Bishop effort were Jacob Beltran with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal; Dave Gonzalez with seven points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal; Grant Michalk with six points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block; Robert Gaona with eight points and four rebounds; Jacob Beltran with four points and two rebounds; Johnathan Villarreal with two rebounds.

“We just didn’t perform to our potential,” Bishop Badger Head Coach Mike Suarez said.