The Venice boys’ basketball team celebrated a long-sought victory against Palisades High in  the West Gym, Jan. 15, At 6 o’clock p.m. the varsity boys ended the game and a decade-long losing streak against Pali with the score of 55-51. Last year’s record against Palisades were two losses with the scores of 54-65 and 67-76.

The game ended with a nail-biting finish, tying the game multiple times in the fourth quarter, Venice ended up on top. This game wasn’t just any home game, this was the first home game of the season, and it was against the boys’ rival, Palisades.

“We wanted to put on a good show,” said junior Ryan Lee. “As a team, we tried to promote the team as much as possible.”

For captains and seniors Christian Morataya and Raheem Brumfield, this game was personal.

“We both transferred from Pali,” Morataya said. “We treated the game like any other game, we wanted to get that dub.”

But sadly, the victory didn’t last long. Feb. 3, Venice lost at Palisades’ house with the score of 68-74.

“The mentality towards the second was just the same as the first game,” said Lee. “If not, we wanted to win more. We had the chance to clinch third place and win at their house.”

Playing Palisades and winning wasn’t easy, the win was a challenge for the whole team.

“We struggled with boxing out, rebounding and defending 3-point shots,” said Morataya.

Even with the sad ending, the team’s captain and players are proud of the win.

“Winning Pali was one of the greatest feelings,” said Morataya. “beating your formal school and Pali is a school that Venice hasn’t beat in about 12 years.”

“”It was a really good win, it was our first home win and the first time our school beat Pali in seven or more years,” said Lee.