The semifinal game between Santa Ana and Fullerton ended with the Hornets winning 87-82 to punch their ticket to the finals on Feb.19, 2025. The Hornets started off the game playing exceptional defense.
Although point guard Justin Davis did not have his best game, he battled through and gave it his all on the defensive end. Jaqari Miles came off the bench and contributed a vital 16 points. First year player Joe Gravohac has shown people why he is the best in the state. Whether it’s his offensive rebounding ability, basketball IQ, or post up fundamental skills. He is a force to be reckoned with. Making key plays when the game is on the line and doing the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.
Head Coach Webster expressed Gravohac’s constant development as a player this season. “Yeah, you know I thought we could have been better defensively. It’s a hard team to guard. They spread you out,” said Webster. “They got a lot of guys who can drive. It felt like there were a lot of fouls being called and let them get to the line too much. But we dug deep and found a way to win and that’s what’s most important.”
One of the key defensive plays in the game was when Gravohac blocked two shots from under the basket and forced a third miss which shifted the momentum completely. In overtime, as the game hung in the balance, Gravahoc made a clutch post shot in the paint which put the Hornets up two and got a crucial defensive stop at the other end which helped seal the game. This win is a testament to the mental fortitude of a team that plays for each other and holds each other accountable.
Two controversial calls came around toward the end of the game. One being a blocking foul and the other a jump ball. The play of the game was when Davis found Gravohac for an alley oop which ignited the crowd. At the end of the game there was a minor incident between the Fullerton student section and Santa Ana players as they were leaving the game. The situation was dealt with quickly by assistant coaches.
“I just need to always be open to learning. Being open to instruction and having an open heart and open mind,” said Gravohac. “All the coaches have helped me so much. I wouldn’t be who I am without them, that’s for sure.”