The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball Team traveled to the mainland on Friday, Jan. 11, to play Capistrano Valley Christian. The Lancers started slow and fell behind 11-4 in the first quarter. However in the second quarter they settled down on offense and began to score points and get steals off of a stifling full court press.
The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball Team traveled to the mainland on Friday, Jan. 11, to play Capistrano Valley Christian. The Lancers started slow and fell behind 11-4 in the first quarter. However in the second quarter they settled down on offense and began to score points and get steals off of a stifling full court press.
In the second half Avalon continued to play hard on defense and maintained control of the game until the end, winning by a score of 50-38. As they have been all season, the Lancers were led by Gabe Hernandez and Edgar Alvarez. Hernandez finished with 20 points while Alvarez had 17 points, 5 steals and 5 assists.
After the game the Lancers ran to their bus and hustled back to the Island to get ready for their next opponent, Saddleback Valley Christian, who they played the following day.
Unfortunately Saddleback was too strong for the Lancers on this day. The Warriors have reloaded with a complete new class of recruits and were able to control the pace of the game throughout. The Lancers were led by Alvarez and Hernandez with 11 and 9 points respectively. The following Saturday, Jan. 19, Avalon traveled to San Juan Capistrano again, this time for a rematch with Saddleback Valley Christian.
The Lancers played much better against the Warriors but again Saddleback proved to be the better team. The Lancers stayed close for two quarters and had the Warriors on their heels, but then Saddleback went on a roll and never looked back. Gabe Hernandez was the best player on the court in this game, scoring 27 points.
Edgar Alvarez added 8 points and played a fine game at the point guard position while Danny Jimenez added 7 points to the cause. Daniel Paradisi played aggressive inside against 3 players twice his size. The total team effort was there and the Lancers showed that they can compete with even the best teams in their division.
This week the Lancers will play against Fairmont Prep at home tonight, Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m.
They also played at home against Capistrano Valley Christian on Tuesday, Jan. 23. These games will determine the Lancers’ playoff fate. We would love to pack Hickey Rohlik Fieldhouse with a raucous crowd. The Rotary Club and the Lions Club will compete in a free throw shooting contest at halftime during tonight’s game. Come on up to support and help lead the Lancers back to the C.I.F. Playoffs.
Steve Hall is coach of the Avalon Lancers boys basketball team.
