GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt High School Warriors boys’ basketball team celebrated Senior Night in February, honoring six graduating players and their cheerleaders in an emotional ceremony that capped a historic season for the program. Seniors Karlos Cornejo, Joel Diaz, Antonio Castaneda and Seth Miller were recognized for their contributions to a team that accomplished something the Galt basketball community had been waiting six years to celebrate.

For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, the Warriors earned two league wins in a single season, ending a six-year league drought that had tested the patience and perseverance of players, coaches and fans alike. The breakthrough represents more than just wins in the standings: It represents a cultural shift within the program under first-year Head Coach Hunter Johnson.

 

Galt alumna and Head Cheer Coach Barbara Welch celebrates senior night with the senior cheerleaders.

“This group accomplished something special by ending the six-year league drought and setting a new standard for Galt basketball,” Johnson said. “Our seniors led the way, establishing the culture and foundation we’re building on moving forward. I’m incredibly proud of this team and of Garrett Rose earning All-League honors: a reflection of the hard work and belief within this program. I have every intention of coming back next season to build on the foundation we laid this year.”

Junior Garrett Rose was the engine that drove Galt’s offense all season, earning SVC All-League honors with a standout campaign. Rose led the team with 269 points and averaged 11.2 points per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players. His leadership extended beyond scoring, as he also paced the Warriors with 20 assists, 25 steals and a team-leading 0.8 assists per game and 1.0 steals per game. Rose converted 67% of his free throw attempts, the best mark on the team, and his all-around contributions made him the clear choice for All-League recognition.

Junior Bryan Villalobos provided consistent support throughout the season, averaging 7.4 points per game and totaling 193 points. Villalobos led the team with a 33% three-point shooting percentage and contributed 54 rebounds and 17 steals, making him one of the Warriors’ most versatile performers.

Sophomore Cooper Cagle averaged 6.4 points per game and totaled 120 points while shooting 60% from the free-throw line. Cagle’s 0.6 assists per game and consistent defensive presence made him a valuable piece of Galt’s rotation.

Junior center Abel Romero anchored the Warriors in the paint, leading the team with 58 rebounds and averaging 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field. Sophomore Hunter Hileman contributed 48 rebounds and averaged 1.8 per game while shooting an efficient 45% from the field.

 

Garrett Rose-SVC All-League.

Among the seniors, Cornejo provided leadership and playmaking with 15 assists on the season, while senior Joel Diaz contributed 12 assists. Their veteran presence in the locker room helped to establish the culture Johnson referenced in his postgame remarks.

Sophomore Jalen Hall showed tremendous efficiency, leading the team with a 54% field goal percentage, while his 13 steals demonstrated his defensive impact.

As the seniors close out their Warrior careers, they leave behind a program pointed in the right direction. The six-year drought is over, the foundation has been laid, and with Rose, Villalobos and a talented group of underclassmen returning, the future of Galt basketball looks brighter than it has in years.

Coach Johnson and his Warriors are just getting started.