The calendar is yet to turn to the second month of the year, and I'm already pumped about basketball in Bakersfield. I watched an entertaining game end with Ridgeview holding on to a 70-68 victory at Stockdale tonight, throwing both city leagues into three-way races.

A Stockdale win tonight would have all but clinched the Southwest Yosemite League title for the Mustangs, but Ridgeview's effort means it and the Mustangs both have a loss. Centennial has two but gets Stockdale and Ridgeview each at home in the season's final two weeks.

Over in the Southeast Yosemite League, Golden Valley did Garces and Bakersfield High a big favor by knocking off East last night. Now, unless East can earn another surprising victory in its remaining games against Garces and BHS, the Rams and Drillers would share the title. Garces, of course, has beat BHS twice. And don't forget, Golden Valley is still sitting there with just three losses.

It should be great fun to watch from here on out. The next big game is tomorrow night, with BHS visiting East. I saw the first meeting between these two, and the Blades led, I believe, into the fourth quarter. So don't count 'em out.

One final note on tonight's game at Stockdale. You'll read in my game story that Stockdale coach Terence Hubbert had a few (veiled) complaints about the officiating. Here's my take: This was a very tightly called contest. Ridgeview indeed built its lead partly from the free-throw line, and included were some questionable calls. But I thought that late in the game, Stockdale got the benefit of a few calls during its comeback. Like most games, it probably evened out. Ridgeview was definitely more aggressive, and so the Wolf Pack benefitted from the tight calls a little more.

Made for a great game though. Man, the next month should be fun.