The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball team gave a valiant effort, but unfortunately came up short in a wild and crazy championship game of the 25th Annual Catalina Classic.
The Lancers started the tournament against Vaughn High School on Thursday, Dec. 17 and Avalon came out nervous and cold in their first home game and fell behind 16-4 in the first quarter.
The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball team gave a valiant effort, but unfortunately came up short in a wild and crazy championship game of the 25th Annual Catalina Classic.
The Lancers started the tournament against Vaughn High School on Thursday, Dec. 17 and Avalon came out nervous and cold in their first home game and fell behind 16-4 in the first quarter.
The Lancers never recovered from their slow start and ended up on the short end of a 52 to 39 score. Jose Silva led the Lancers with 15 points, eight steals, and five assists, while Emmanuel Amezcua and Jalen Flynn each added seven points to the cause.
In Game 2 of the tournament on Friday, Dec. 18, the Lancers faced long time rival Wildwood. The Lancers were too strong for the young Wildwood team and finished with a 54 to 32 victory. Julio Hernandez came off the bench to ignite the Lancers and score 15 points and grab four rebounds with limited playing time. Jalen Flynn added 13 points to the cause, while Miguel Bonilla added nine points on three 3-pointers.
In Game 3, on Saturday, Dec. 19, the Lancers faced the Avalon JV squad and won by a score of 68 to 31. Jalen Flynn led all scorers with 22 points and 11 rebounds putting up a double-double.
Jose Silva contributed 12 points, three steals, and three assists in a nice team victory. Ernesto Gomez, returning from a broken foot, added eight points in limited playing time as well. Welcome back Ernie!
By defeating Wildwood and the JV squad, the Lancers earned the right to challenge Vaughn again in the Championship game. Avalon played with much more purpose and poise this time around.
The score was tied at 11 after the first quarter and the fans began to realize that they were in for quite a game this time around. Avalon led 24 to 21 at the half and had the momentum on their side along with the crowd into the game as well.
Both teams played evenly in the 3rd quarter dropping 15 points apiece. Unfortunately the Lancers came up short at the very end, allowing an uncontested floater with eight seconds remaining on the clock, and ultimately losing by a score of 49 to 47. The fans were treated to an amazing game, with the Lancers showing that they can play quality team basketball.
Jose Silva came away with an All Tournament Trophy for his outstanding play throughout the tournament.
He finished with 15 points and eight rebounds in the final game with Jalen Flynn putting up 10 points and six rebounds. Ernesto Gomez had a great game as well with eight rebounds and five blocked shots. Congratulations to Vaughn for their first ever Catalina Classic Championship after four attempts, and congratulations to Avalon for providing tough competition in the championship game.
