The Ganesha baseball squad entered the CIF Southern Section Division 2 championship with a plan to bypass the contest and head to a training camp in Mississippi. A late phone call from the superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District altered that course, prompting the team to take the field against Loyola.
What followed was a tightly contested game that swung in Ganesha’s favor early. Ford Stoen opened on the mound, delivering 3 1/3 innings that yielded just one run and five hits. In the third inning, Bryant Loo smashed a two‑run double, pushing the lead to 3‑1. The offense continued to rally around Dyson Grant, Gavin Smith and Loo, building a comfortable margin before the final outs.
A Victory Built on Health and Heritage
Coach Jared Sandler’s strategy centered on preserving the health of Logan Schmidt, a pitcher projected as a potential MLB first‑round draft pick. By managing his workload, Sandler ensured that Schmidt remained ready for the next level while still contributing to the team’s immediate success. The win marked the second straight CIF‑SS title and the third championship in four seasons, underscoring a dynasty that has reshaped the program’s reputation.
After the final out, the players hoisted the CIF‑SS championship plaque and celebrated on the field, a moment that capped a whirlwind season. Rather than moving on to the state regional playoffs, the team announced it would sit out the upcoming week, a decision that reflects both the culmination of their current campaign and the focus on future development.