SEASON OPENER: TALL ORDER AT SEQUOIAS FILLED

The No. 2 in state Hornet basketball squad opened their 2025-26 campaign at No. 3 College of the Sequoias on Saturday and shrunk the Giants 77-53.

It was a highly anticipated season opener between two of California's top-ranked teams, however it was the Hornets that hit the gas pedal to win the race with a well-balanced attack.

The Giants snuck in a 6-0 lead in the opening mintues, but after settling in the Hornets took control with efficient shooting and did not let up. Fullerton owned the first half outscoring COS 42-21 with crisp ball movement and strong defense.

FC shot 56.3% from the field and 47.4% from three-point range, while converting 9 three-pointers on the day. Sequoias struggled to keep up hitting just 34.9% overall and 31.3% from beyond the arch. The big difference maker was the Hornet's accuracy at the free-throw line going 14-19 (73.7%) to Sequoia's 4-10 (40%).

Freshman guard Donovan Pitts led the way for the Hornets with 18 points off the bench going 7-11 from the floor and draining 3 three-pointers. Brayden Smith added 16 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Trey Thompson contributed 12 points and 2 assists. Jaqari Miles chipped in 14 points that included 2 threes, while MJ Smith had 6 points, brought down 7 rebounds, had 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Up Next: The Hornets (1–0 overall) return home for a pair of big non-conference games this week for the Tournament of Champions. On Thursday, November 6th FC will host No. 4 West Valley at 6:00 pm. Then on Friday, November 7th, the Hornets will take on Yuba College at 6:00 pm in the Nest. Come out and watch two great matchups and cheer on this exciting Hornet team!