Although the weather has been summer like and balmy, Fall is definitely upon us and so is the upcoming high school basketball season. With the days shorter and the temperature dropping, Lancer coach Steve Hall said the hoops season can be a perfect distraction.
“Basketball is the sport that gets us through those cold winter nights when we’re bored, with nothing to do and then we find out that the Avalon Boys Varsity basketball team is playing three games at home, in one week, to open up their 2018-2019 season and suddenly our boredom has just been solved,” Hall said.
This year’s squad is comprised of four seniors, Sebastian Garcia, Pablo Chavolla, Cristobal Hernandez, and Ulises Zavala. Four Juniors, Sol Vines, Antonio Ramos, Allen Arneson, and Daniel Madriz, along with two Sophomores, Adalberto Martinez and Jose Gomez round out the squad.
Team managers are Alex Lira, Cole Konigsmark and Darren Hall. Hall said the Lancers are very excited about their chances for a successful season, especially since they lost just two players from last year, Javier Peguero and Angel Peguero. Javier has graduated and recently left the Island to enlist in the United States Air Force Academy. Hall said the community is proud to have Peguero serving the country.
“We wish him all the luck in the world,” Hall said.
Jose Gomez will be playing at the point guard position along with Antonio Ramos while Cristobal Hernandez and Ulises Zavala will share the two-guard position and Sebastian Garcia and Adalberto Martinez, Daniel Madriz and Allen Arneson will give the Lancers a solid rotation at the forward spot. Sol Vines and Pablo Chavolla will join them on the inside, playing the center position.
The Lancers have six players who are coming off a very successful football season and they hope that their winning ways continue right on into the basketball season.
“Cristo Hernandez, Pablo Chavolla and Sol Vines all received individual plaques and All-League recognition last year and should be our leaders this year,” Hall said.
Beto Martinez was “Rookie Of the Year” last year and should be much improved along with Jose Gomez as they both have gained valuable experience with one year of varsity play under their belt. Allen Arneson can jump out of the gym and that should work real well, while Sebastian Garcia has worked as hard as anybody in the off season to elevate his game to the next level.
Ulises Zavala is probably their feistiest player and that will definitely be an asset to the defense. Tony Ramos and Daniel Madriz are the two new players but have plenty of skill to become part of the teams’ success.
Avalon Boys Basketball
Home Schedule 2018-2019
Nov. 19 vs. Cathedral, 5 p.m.
Nov. 21 Alumni Games, 7 p.m.
Nov. 24 vs. Sage Hill, Noon
Nov. 27 vs. Samueli, 5 p.m.
Nov. 29 vs. TVT, 5 p.m.
Dec. 14 vs. Wildwood, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 vs. Wildwood, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 18 vs. St. Michaels, 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 30 vs. Brethren, 5 p.m.
