AOTW: Jon Zarate

AGE 18 | SCHOOL Brawley Union High | GRADE 12

BRAWLEY — The Brawley Union High boys’ basketball team had uncharacteristic start to the Imperial Valley League season by opening the six-game span with a record of 0-2.

Despite the rough start, the Wildcats were able to turn it around and battled back to win their second consecutive IVL crown with a record of 4-2, after defeating rival Central Union High, 61-49, last week in a league-title deciding game.

Helping Brawley to the win was senior starter Jon Zarate, who had a team-high 19 points against the Spartans.

“We knew it’d be tough going in to play them at their home,” Zarate said. “Their band plays really loud, but we knew if we were able to execute the things we practiced, we’d be league champs again.”

Following the win over Central, the Wildcats then closed out the regular season with an 87-67 win over Calipatria High, where Zarate finished with 20 points.

“I was sort of nervous before that game,” Zarate said with a smile. “That’s was a big game for us and it’s always a little personal.”

Last season, when the Wildcats and the Hornets faced off, Brawley overcame an almost 20-point deficit to win, 77-76.

“It was like with Central, we knew we just had to go out and execute,” Zarate said.

What do you enjoy most about your sport?

I enjoy getting to play with my teammates, because win or lose we do it as a team.

What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport?

Probably winning IVL this year because we were behind 0-2 and came back to win.

Who inspires you and why?

My dad and my mom inspire me. My mom inspires me because she used to play basketball and my dad inspires me because he’s always encouraging me.

What are you goals for the rest of this season?

My goal for the rest of this season is to try and get back to the CIF final and win and try to go to state.