Just like recent weather, Skyline basketball gave the community plenty of ups and downs but closed on a good note as both men, and women, won their final home games of the season.

The first game featured the Skyline women outlasting the College of San Mateo Bulldogs 67-59. It was the final home game for three sophomores, Jessica Garrett, Stefanie Johnson and Ezzia Gheith, and each player came with energy to win this game. Yet to start the game CSM’s Bulldogs came out quick with a 5-0 lead. After a timeout, Sahara Clay of Skyline comes into the game and gives the team a much needed spark.

“She always plays excellent….we’re a pretty short team so when Sahara comes in her blocks help us,” said Stefanie Johnson about Sahara’s play during the game.

Sahara’s plays were huge as she had eight blocks and a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Yet, even with Sahara’s play, CSM still kept the score close throughout the game as it was knotted up at 29 by halftime.

Unfortunately when the second half hit, Skyline was a little sloppy as CSM took a 32-31 lead with 18:38 left in the game.

“It’s the second half that’s going to determine who is the better team…. it’s going to be us” Johnson said, quoting Coach Chris Watters from a halftime pep talk.

It clearly worked for them as Skyline was extending the lead and it was 55-47 with 5:08 left in the game.

Throughout the season, with all the ups and downs, the sophomore leadership was always a constant and it proved well as Johnson had two late game steals to seal the game, and her career at Skyline. Skyline ended their regular season with a record of 10-16.

The men’s game also featured the final home game of seven sophomores for Skyline as they went on to beat Canada College 83-70.Skyline was in full control from the opening tip.

“I thought we played with a ton of energy,” said Skyline Coach Justin Piergrossi. “I thought we were the harder playing team.”

Skyline’s excellent plays gave them a comfortable lead at halftime at 38-29. When the second half began, Canada came with a different mindset as they had a pivotal 7-0 run to cut the lead to 45-37 with 14:42 left in the game.

“We played hard, we did what we had to do,” said sophomore forward Aaron Brown of what Skyline did during the game.”We played strong.”

Even as Canada was making a comeback, Skyline would not allow it with sloppy plays as they were closing it out 78-66 with 5:00 left in the game.

D.J. Harvey led Skyline with 21 points to help put away Canada 83-70 to put a cap to their season.

“I think we played hard. I think we competed hard,” Piergrossi said. “They closed the season the right way.”

Skyline finished the regular season 12-13.