The Golden Valley Grizzlies were down by as many as 15 points in the first half and 10 to start the fourth quarter, but used a late game rally to stun Palmdale in the season opener, 64-61.

It wasn’t looking good for Larry Keys’ GV squad in the first 16 minutes of play Wednesday night. Tons of defensive breakdowns, specifically in transition were leading to easy layups for the Palmdale Falcons (0-2), and the Palmdale’s 6’5″ captain Don McCrary was dominating with highlight-reel dunks.

If it wasn’t for sophomore Josiah Gatewood’s strong play in the second quarter (seven points and a couple offensive boards), the game would have likely been too far out of reach for the Grizzlies.

Fast forward to the start of the fourth quarter and trailing 50-40, Golden Valley was going to need another spark. Insert seniors Kenan Quila and Josh Martin to take over from there on out.

Quila was blistering from long range, draining three triples in the final quarter, including the go-ahead 3 from the right wing to give Golden Valley a 55-54 lead with 1:26 to go in regulation. It was the Grizzlies’ first lead of the game.

Martin provided the emotional boost in the closing moments, fighting through defenders for tough baskets on offense and helping to suffocate the Falcons on defense.

Josh Martin with the hussle basket and hype. Palmdale 61-64 Golden Valley final @gvhshoops pic.twitter.com/1duwUgm2eS

— KHTS Sports (@KHTSSports) November 15, 2018

GV would go on to close the game on a 22-8 run and win it 64-61 to open the year on the right foot. Next up is Arcadia on Monday.

KHTS Sports is your place for the 2018 Santa Clarita winter sports season and your Santa Clarita Dodgers coverage. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC. If you have any news and notes about our teams and players to share please send them to jp@hometownstation.com, like us on facebook.com/khtssports and follow us @KHTSSports on Twitter.