Just like the movie ‘Groundhog Day’, where the same events played out over-and over, the Colfax High basketball team once again has had a superb spring and summer season.

Digging into some Falcon basketball history unearthed some ominous parallels that do not bode well for Colfax opponents this coming winter.

When the high school season comes to an end, Colfax magically morphs into an AAU club called the Sierra Express. Since the late 1990s, head coach Leonard Iventosch has led them down a path of success unknown to any other AAU club in the foothills.

For example, when Sierra Express/Colfax has played in the championship game in the prestigious Reno Memorial Day Weekend Tournament that same team has gone on to play for the Division IV CIF Championship at Arco in March.

Kevin Kleppe, Ari Iventosch, Chase Oliver, Devin Ginty, Omar Khalidy, Donovan Gannon, Scott Krizman, and Joel Iventosch are just a few Falcons who have thrived in Reno and at Arco.

This year’s team, led by three-year starter Austin Oberg, and returning veterans Chase Mosier and Ben Buell won the small-school championship in Reno this past Memorial Day Weekend. If history holds true, this Sierra Express/Colfax team could once again return to Arco.

”The Sierra Express program measures its success by the success of Colfax High in March,” coach Iventosch said. “My goal is to help build a team for Arco.”

Colfax has appeared at Arco five of the last seven seasons. Every one of those teams played spring AAU ball for Iventosch.

Mosier, who led Sierra Express with 19.5 points per game over spring ball feels playing an AAU season is invaluable.

“When our high school season ended at the NorCals we did not stop playing,” Mosier said. “We went right to AAU ball. We played all-star teams through the AAU season. We competed with them, beating many of them. Our confidence grew.”

No AAU game better reflects Mosier’s comments than the semifinals at Reno over Memorial Day weekend. Sierra Express beat a powerhouse St. Mary’s of Stockton team, a perennial CIF playoff team. Mosier scored 34 points and shut down the leading St. Mary’s scorer in the second half.

Colfax basketball coach Mike O’Connell is also excited by the upcoming season. Switching from Sierra Express uniforms to Colfax High uniforms, the Falcons were an impressive 20-7 in three high-powered tournaments.

O’Connell reflected on summer ball, which ended several weeks ago.

“We had a lot of fun and success this summer,” said O’Connell. “We have a team committed to playing basketball. Last year’s team had nine juniors who took a daily beating from the seniors on that team. Their time is now. Our goal is to be as good as or better than last year’s team.”

“Playing AAU ball in the spring and then summer ball challenges us to get better every game,” added Buell, who has developed into a leader after a strong junior season. “By playing strong opponents our confidence improves. Playing against those big guys on all-star teams during the AAU season makes me better.”

With the addition of Center and Foothill, the Pioneer Valley League will be more demanding. But if the championships and victories earned by Sierra Express/Colfax this spring and summer are any indication, another strong season appears likely.