Who says you have to lose during a rebuilding season?

Despite a roster overhaul over the summer and a move to a new, more competitive league, the Pioneer High School girls’ basketball team is returning to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

Before the postseason, however, they still had to wrap up their Monticello Empire League slate. On Tuesday night, in front of the home fans, the Patriots (12-12, 8-3 MEL) celebrated senior night in style as they cruised to a 48-34 win over league rivals Wood.

With the win, the Patriots remain tied for second place in the league with Sacramento.

“I think this team has surprised many people,” said Patriots coach Jeff McCallum. “Last year’s team was senior-heavy and had such a great season. So them all leaving and having a key player transfer led to nobody really thinking we had a chance to win in this new league. It’s just great to see.”

The Patriots came into the league clash on an absolute tear, having won seven of their past nine games, including four of their last five. Following a tight 62-56 win over Vacaville on Jan. 16, the Patriots lost to Wood 47-38 a few days later.

After the close loss, they ripped off a 53-48 win over Sacramento on Jan. 23, a 55-32 victory over Rodriguez on Feb. 1, a 44-20 triumph over River City on Feb. 4 and a 57-49 conquest over Vacaville on Feb. 6. The only loss since mid-January was a 96-23 defeat to powerhouse and future MEL champion Vanden back on Jan. 28.

“Oh man, what a time to peak,” McCallum said. “If we are going to peak, this is the time to do it. We have really been gelling together, we all love each other and get along very well. We still have not had a game where my five starters have all had a great game on the same day. It’s always been a few here and there rotating.”

During the Vacaville game, senior Peyton Thorpe became the first girls basketball player in Pioneer history to have a 20-20 game, pouring in 21 points and collecting 20 rebounds.

“She just absolutely dominated that game,” McCallum recalled. “Vacaville is a great rebounding team. The first time we played them, they out-rebounded us 56-34 that first game. They have very good players, and Peyton Thorpe came in on a mission and took over. She has been more than we can ask of her this year. I can’t even dream up a better season for her. I have college coaches asking about her all the time, so she’s going to land somewhere.”

Before the game, the school honored Thorpe and fellow senior Yasmine Romero.

“Both of them came in and really pulled the team together chemistry-wise,” McCallum said. “They all get along so great. I have coached both at the JV level, so it’s great to see them full circle through the program and follow them through their journey.”

Following an explosive first quarter that saw a pair of threes from Angeleyis Medina De La Fuente and Naomi Navarro, the Patriots found themselves in the driver’s seat with about three minutes left in the first half, up 22-11.

Junior Marissa Bautista would nail two technical free throws in the dying seconds right before fellow junior Kylie Cueva raced up the court for a buzzer-beating teardrop to make it 26-15 Patriots at the break.

In the third quarter, a lid was placed on the Patritos’ hoop as they struggled to make a shot. With about three minutes left, the drought was broken as Medina De La Fuente nailed two free throws to make it 28-24. A few possessions later, Navarro would find Medina De La Fuente inside for a nice hook shot to end the quarter with a six-point lead.

“The third quarter has been our Achilles heel,” McCallum said. “We always come out flat in the third quarter. It took a bit of time to adjust to their defense, but once we did, we fired off on all cylinders.”

To start the fourth, Thorpe found Media De La Fuente for a basket to make it 32-26. Navarro then found Thorpe a few plays later for a basket and a foul, which Thorpe converted to make it 35-28.

Navarro then got back into the action with a back-breaking 3-pointer, leading to a Wood timeout. After the break, Navarro made another basket before Thorpe and Bautista combined for a sweet give-and-go to make it 42-28. Navarro made it 44-31 with a lovely teardrop shot before Bautista drew a foul and hit one to make it 45-34.

While the game’s result was out of the question, Romero found herself back in the game, but with no points on senior night. The Patriots made sure that would not be the case anymore, collectively making an effort to feed her the ball. Romero did her part and sent everyone home happy, as she caught and then drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, making it 48-34.

Up next for the Patriots will be a season finale on the road against Sacramento, with whom they are tied for second place in the league. While a top-three position and playoff berth are guaranteed for both teams, the Patriots know a loss could severely diminish their seed and a chance at hosting a playoff game.

“Sacramento are a great team,” McCallum said. “Our last game was super close. I just want our girls to compete and play every play like it matters. If we do that, we could have a good chance, and it could decide a home game in the playoffs.”