File photo – The Arcata Tigers are conference champs for the first time in seven years.

It was a night that reminded the Arcata Tigers there are more important things in life than sports.

The Tigers welcomed rival McKinleyville to Arcata High and won 48-30 to secure at least a share of their first Big 5 championship in girls basketball since 2018.

With the win, they improved to 7-0 in conference play (16-6 overall) with one game remaining against the Eureka Loggers, who improved to 6-1 in the Big 5 with a hard-fought win over Fortuna on Wednesday.

The Loggers and Tigers will play at Arcata High on the final night of the regular season on Friday, where a win for the home team would secure the championship outright and a victory for the Loggers would see the two schools share the title.

However, winning a championship was not the only thing the Arcata players, coaches and fans were thinking about on a sad night for the school and Arcata community.

Before the game, the Tigers held a moments silence to remember an Arcata High freshman who tragically died in a fire earlier this week.

“Tonight was an emotional game,” Arcata head coach Charlie Espinoza said. “We started the game with a moment of silence for a student and her family who tragically lost her life in a fire on Monday. 

“We want to let the entire community know that we are here to support and help in any way we can.

“My heart goes out to the family and anyone who is impacted.

“We talk about gratitude. I am so grateful to the Tiger community and all the people who pour into us.”

When the game got under way, the Tigers took care of business against their Big 5 rivals despite missing some players at practice this week due to sickness.

They were led by senior Mayleah Jackson, who scored a game-high 21 points and also had six steals.

“Mayleah Jackson was huge again tonight,” Espinoza said. 

Arcata’s Mae Wolford added 13 points and also had four rebounds, three steals and three assists, while teammate Addison Wingate finished with eight points.

Tatum Fisher continued to impress for the Panthers, who closed out Big 5 play with a record of 4-4 (17-9 overall).

MaryAnn Som added eight points in the loss, including two first-quarter 3-pointers, while Gabby Watson and Lily Battilocchi each had four points.

“We had to battle,” Espinoza said. “Credit to Mack, they wanted that one. Their freshman center had a big day defensively and caused some problems. 

“And so did Tatum Fisher. I have so much respect for that senior and she gave us problems.”

The loss to Arcata was the Panthers’ second in conference play.

“Just gotta be better with the basketball,” McKinleyville head coach Jacob Cheek said. “Plain and simple.”

Friday’s big showdown is set for 7:30 p.m.

“We are excited for Friday because that should be a great battle between two great teams,” Espinoza said. “Job’s not finished when it comes to league.”