The Avalon boys basketball team finally got a taste of victory. After struggling in their first two games against Sage Hill and Webb, the Lancers came out on fire against Southlands Christian on Saturday, May 1 and emerged with a 58-46 victory.
After being trounced the previous day by Webb on the road the Lancers hobbled back home, got a good night sleep and came out rearing and ready to go against an Eagles team that seemed ready for the taking, having brought only 6 players for the game.
Freshman Aaron Castro was the player igniting the spark for Avalon. Castro drained 4 three-pointers in the first quarter and the Lancers began to believe. If a Freshman can do it then why can’t I? Sí se puede! Juniors Adrian Castro and James Hall immediately joined in on the party and stepped up their game to a high level. Adrian Castro finished the game with 12 points, five assists and five rebounds. Aaron Castro also finished with the 12 points that he scored in the 1st quarter, and James Hall led the entire team in scoring with 20 points, 10 in the 3rd quarter, when the Lancers took control of the game. Hall also grabbed seven rebounds and was a force in the middle on defense.
Freshman Brandon Moreno played solid at the point guard position dishing out five assists and getting four steals. It was a consummate team victory that the Lancers were not expecting and showed that with continued hard work and dedication they can compete in their new San Joaquin League against their former rivals Sage Hill, Webb, Southlands Christian and the recruiting powerhouse Orangewood Academy.
Unfortunately, the Lancers tired out in the 3rd quarter of Game 2 of a double header against Southlands. They fell behind by 19 points at the end of the 3rd quarter and looked finished for the day. However, that was not the case as Avalon came roaring back in the 4th quarter, only to lose at the end by a score of 63-56. They showed a lot of grit and character in their comeback which is another positive takeaway for the day.
James Hall led the team in scoring with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, while Adrian Castro led the 4th quarter charge, along with Freshmen Cole Konigsmark, and finished the game with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. Freshman Darren Hall has shown a lot of potential and was our best player against Webb in a losing effort.
Brandon Moreno added 7 points to the cause in game 2 on Saturday against Southlands Christian and Senior Stevie Hoefs provided much needed leadership both on and off the court.
The Lancers still have 6 games remaining on their schedule providing more opportunities for improvement and development, especially for our younger players, who seem up to the challenge. Go Avalon!
