By Dante Torrano
dante.torrano@gmail.com
On Saturday night, the City College Rams began their playoff run with a commanding 88-62 victory over Fresno City College. Led by standout guard Miles Amos, the Rams demonstrated excellent command over the game as they locked horns with the Fresno City College Rams.
It was a playbook clinic on efficient offense and stifling defense, with a mandate so overwhelming that their opponent found it challenging to be on the same court, much less in the same league.
It wasn’t all easy dribbling for the Rams, as they started off the game with an undeniably slow tempo. The coach struggled to get the team into rhythm, and for much of the first half, the energy on the court felt disjointed. “They came into the game very nonchalant,” said Head Coach Justin Labagh. Whether it was coaching or execution, they weren’t feeling it — and neither was the crowd.
As the clock ticked on, the Rams flipped a switch and took control of the game. Leading an attack that would define the rest of the night. Point guard Miles Amos disrupted passing lanes, charged through defenders and set a tone for a mass onslaught.
Halftime marked a change in the team’s energy. Teammates Nick Cubley and Vitor Oliveria — who both showcased impressive defensive prowess — asserted their authority with confidence. They shifted the game’s tempo from sluggish to an aggressive, high-intensity rhythm that overwhelmed Fresno on both ends of the court.
Amos took responsibility when asked about the team’s slow start: “It was a sluggish first half, and I take a lot of the blame for not leading my team.”
“We could’ve done way better. A lot of players didn’t play well,” Cubley added.
Despite their early struggles, the Rams went into halftime with a commanding 37-24 lead, proving that their defensive adjustments and offensive efficiency were just getting started.
The second half became an entirely different story as the Rams emerged from their sluggish start and opened the half with an immediate full-court press, forcing Fresno into turnovers and poor shot selection.
The team continued its onslaught, pushing the pace in transition and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. The chemistry between the team was undeniable, as they ran the floor like a well-oiled machine, punishing Fresno for every defensive lapse.
Adding to the offensive firepower, the Rams’ bench provided key contributions. The depth of their roster became evident as fresh legs came in and continued the relentless pressure. By the midpoint of the second half, the game had turned into a rout.
By the final buzzer, City College had extended their lead to a decisive 88-62 victory. The performance left little doubt about their potential this season. On the other hand, Fresno looked demoralized, as they simply couldn’t keep up with the relentless pace and aggressive playstyle of CCSF.
Head Coach Justin Labagh looked critically at the players’ performance: “They could’ve played better. They came into the game very nonchalant but stepped it up at half-time.”
This game was more than just a season opener for the Rams — it was a declaration. They proved that when they find their rhythm, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Their win against Fresno led them to the Nor Cal Regional Finals against the Jaguars, whom they defeated 80-70. Thus advancing the Rams to the first round of the state championships, where they faced the San Antonio Cerritos on Thursday, March 13.