As the 2025-26 season starts off, the Bathgate basketball team came prepared and set the tone to show what they’re made of. After intensive preparation during their offseason, they came onto the court with confidence and energy. This was a home game played at Citizen’s Advice Bureau on 167th & Grand Concourse against Walton Campus.
Throughout the game, Bathgate came out strong and held on to their lead for the most part, demonstrating that they were there to dominate. In the first quarter Chris Soto (‘26) went down with an injury and had everyone on the edge of their seats; he was able to recover on the sideline being subbed out for the rest of the game. Even though the opposing team was playing rough, Bathgate was able to power through and push forward. Makan Berthe (‘26) stepped up and was a great contributor to the team, dropping 20 points and keeping the offense active.
Bathgate was very persistent, grabbing 46 rebounds with the leading rebounder being Babiagi Gakou (‘26) with 13 rebounds; and shooting over 50% from the free throw line. The entire game they were locked in on defense; nonetheless the game slipped away. Walton Campus had to fight for the win because Bathgate wasn’t giving it to them easily.
With 1:56 seconds in the third quarter Bathgate was up by 8, and was in foul trouble. Coach L says of this moment, “I was annoyed. I was a little angry, but I felt as though we were going to still win the game.” Bathgate played good defense. The cheer team was showing their support by helping distract Walton while they shot free throws. But late in the game, with Bathgate exhausted, Walton was able to creep up in the fourth quarter by playing good offense. Walton proceeded to deliver a crucial buzzer-beater to win the game, making the final score a nail-biting 50-51.
