In fact, the spoils of the round-ballers on both the men's and women's varsity teams are so fruitful that both teams combined have reeled off 22 straight victories, and a combined record of 39-3 in the last three years in league play.  The last loss suffered by either team was a 50-46 loss to Garces by the men's team Feb-20 of 2004.

The success is contributed to many factors ... with the majority being the fact that Tehachapi has been blessed with some superb athletes on both squads.  Below is some highlights from the past couple seasons that have brought a wealth of success for Tehachapi Basketball.

Men's Squad sets new 3-pointer state record:  In 2003-2004, Men's varsity shot a ridiculous 283 three-pointers, which set a new state record, thanks to team captain Matt Patience, who drained 55 from downtown.  Also getting involved that year was seniors Brett Thomas (38), Joey Netptune (27), Leighton Ledesma (25), while Junior Nick Gaeta had 37 and sophomore Paul Neis had a team leading 56.

\League Champs, 10-0 two-straight years:  The best way to defend an undefeated SSL championship?  Well,that's easy...claim another undefeated SSL championship!  The Lady Warriors did just that, and more surprisingly, did it with a talented young team.  Even though the 2003 Warriors 23-5 (10-0 SSL) team said goodbye to PG Bree Barrett (11.2 ppg), Amanda Duggan (8.4 ppg), Sarah Warner (7.9 rpg), and Sarah White (10 blocks), a freshman insurgence in 2004 of talented forwards Jana Smith (7.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Sami Janzen (10 blocked shots, 18 steals) helped returning Tehachapi ballers Molly Patience, Patti Rodriguez, and Megan Terle (10.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg) to a 23-8 (10-0 SSL) season and a CIF Division III Championship berth.

Playoff Exposure:  Men's Squad goes deep:  For the past two seasons, the men's team has proven that they are formidable in the Division III playoffs.  So much so in fact, many valley observers are were serving notice that Tehachapi would be serious title contenders if it wasn't for the fact that Washington Union (Fresno) wasn't in the same playoff bracket.  Tehachapi has taken care of strong opposition these past two seasons, sending home Hanford West twice 61-60 and 60-58 in two straight years, while downing Sierra-Tollhouse 80-55, El Diamonte 70-68, before losing to Washington Union in the semi's in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005.

Coming of Age, Tehachapi beats the Central Valley's Best:  Pitted as a David vs. Goliath contest, the Lady Warriors came into their second round playoff game in the Foothill tournament in 2003-2004 facing the valley's best, North-Bakersfield (11-2).  More than any other game, this one was Tehachapi's coming out party, even though it didn't get much exposure beyond a box score in the Bakersfield Californian.  Senior Point Guard Bree Barrett and Freshman Katie Avila combined for 35 points in the 71-70 shocker.

Smooth Coaching Transition:  When Head Coach Steve Walker stepped down as the Tehachapi Men's Basketball coach in 2003-2004 after finishing 16-13 (7-3 SSL), many thought that Tehachapi's league contention chances would go with him.  However, newly hired teacher/coach Chris Olofson stepped in and didn't miss a beat from getting the most out of the Warrior talent, helping Tehachapi to a 21-4 (10-0 SSL) record.  Also of importance was the fact that Walker was still involved in the program, with son Paul Walker still running strong as a team leader for the Junior Varsity in 2004-2005 and now a starting guard in 2005-2006 as a junior.

The SSL's Jordan Equivalent,  enter Katie Avila:  Very few players come into the limelight like Katie Avila has the past three years.  And the scary part is...she's only a junior in 2005-2006.  Some numbers...Avila has led Tehachapi to 1,102 points, 466 rebounds, 22 blocked shots, 311 steals, and 170 assists through 01/13/2006.  To put this all into perspective, Avila had 418 points overall last season, and this year she has already amassed 372 with nine league games left to go.  Overall, probably not only the league's best player, but arguably the county's best women's player overall.

Garces gone, Tehachapi reaps the benefit:  League indicators showed that Tehachapi would dominate the SSL in football with Garces moving up to the Yosemite bracket.  Well, that hasn't quite happened yet, but the Warriors basketball team was quick to take the baton to glory in 2004-2005 with an undefeated league season, marking the first time ever that both the Warriors and Lady Warriors went undefeated in league play during the same period in the SSL era..

New Digs, Tehachapi raising the roof on their house:  In 2005-2006, Tehachapi's two teams are 6-0 at home.  Overall since Tehachapi moved to their gym at the new high school, they have amassed a 39-9 record on their court by both teams.  Some may argue coincidence to the talent on the court, but for those that remember the gym that Tehachapi had at the old high school, you can't tell me that this record wouldn't have a few more losses tacked on once the opposition saw that the Warriors were playing in a gym that was a make-shift auditorium.  Bottom line:  Tehachapi went from having the worst court in the league to the best, and that boost of confidence has translated into success.  Props to California taxpayers!

THE RIGHT FOOT FORWARD - The Warriors beat Wasco when it counted most, a 65-51 victory to open up SSL play.