Central Section basketball championships: Title droughts end for 3, including Tulare Western

A long high school basketball championship drought came to an end for Tulare Western on Friday.

The Mustangs built a lead in the first half and cruised to a 60-40 victory over Kerman for the Division IV boys title at Selland Arena in Fresno.

It was the first section title for Tulare Western since 2006 when coach Keith Rickard was in his second season, according to section historian Bob Barnett.

Much of the credit for the success this season went to Carmine Ficher, who finished with 16 points.

“To see him grow the last four years, we wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for him,” Rickard said. “He’s the glue that held it together all season long. Without him, I don’t think we would be here. I can’t say enough about him. I’m going to miss him.”

Ficher had help from his brother, Malachi, who also finished with 16 points.

Tulare Western scored 14 points off turnovers and had 12 second-chance points.

“This whole journey, we fought through so much adversity,” Carmine Ficher said. “This game, last game; these part four years, a very fun experience, to say the least.”

It was almost a home-game atmosphere for Tulare Western, as normal rival Tulare Union was in the stands cheering on the Mustangs. The Tribe girls team had just finished playing for the Division IV championship.

“We got here early; we wanted to cheer on the girls,” Rickard said. “For them to stay, it’s awesome. We’re definitely rivals throughout the year. In a situation like this, we’re all from Tulare and we root for Tulare. We want everyone to be successful. It meant a lot to have them stay.”

Kam’Ron Stinson led the Lions with 18 points.

▪ Other section winners: Taft beat Highland 43-41 for the Division VI title, the Wildcats’ first section championship since 1956, and Arroyo Grande defeated Porterville 59-30 in D-II.

Girls basketball finals Friday

▪ D-IV, Lompoc 32, Tulare Union 31: The Tribe had a chance to win the game with three seconds remaining, but two missed free throws gave the Braves the victory.

It was Lompoc’s first section title since moving to the Central Section.

Darleth Felix finished with eight points for the Tribe.

▪ D-VI, Lindsay 53, Torres 37: Melanie Millan scored 21 points to lead the Cardinals to a section title for the first time since 2014.

Lindsay jumped out to a 17-5 first-quarter lead and never looked back.

Millan was 9 of 16 from the field and 3 for 6 from 3-point range.

Sheng Lee and Kaylin Perez each scored 11 points for the Toros.

▪ Other section winner: Liberty-Bakersfield defeated Tehachapi 58-51 in D-II.