The Avalon boys varsity basketball team turned their season around and now get to reap the rewards that a little bit of success can bring. After struggling throughout the preseason, the Lancers went on an eight-game winning streak during league play and surprisingly came away with a hard earned and well deserved league championship. Although their success on the court was a total team effort, it did bring a few individual awards with it. Besides a league championship plaque, the Lancers came away with three All-League Awards, a Player of the Year plaque, and a Coach of the Year plaque.
Junior Brandon Tamayo earned Honorable Mention All-League honors for his steady play throughout league competition. Senior Nalu Machado Martin earned 2nd Team All-League honors because of his feisty defense and timely shooting.
Sophomore Nathan Jones came bursting on the scene this year and came away with 1st Team All-League honors because of his dominance on the defensive end of the court, his rebounding, and his blocked shots. With a little more time put in the gym during this off season I believe Jones could be a dominant force next season on both ends of the court.
In addition to Jones, Senior Darren Hall, our Captain and fearless leader, also earned 1st Team All-League Honors. He was a force on both ends of the court, averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He was a leader both on and off the court and deserving of any and all recognition that comes his way.
Finally, we have our league Player of the Year Junior Jacob Mello. Mello averaged 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game during league play. He was our point guard and he took his game and our team to a higher level, higher than we have seen in quite some time.
Although these players came away with their individual awards, it was really a total team effort that got the job done. Thanks to our Alumni Ruben Martinez, Gabe Hernandez, Julio Hernandez, Oscar Bastida, Davis Castro Jimenez, Daniel Paradisi, and Marco Gallegos for sharing their knowledge and expertise. I’m especially grateful for the support and good coaching I received from my Assistant Coach, Allan Casillas. Our Seniors, David Talsky, Nalu Machado Martin, Cole Konigsmark, Aaron Castro, Brandon Moreno, and Darren Hall all fought valiantly until the end of their high school basketball career and led our program back to the top of the league. Congratulations, you are now a permanent part of Avalon Basketball Folklore.
Because of our recent success we have already been moved up to a more competitive league for next season and our returning players, Jacob Mello, Morgan Curiel, Nathan Jones, Eric Madriz, Brandon Tamayo, Joe Leon, and Nathan Villagra will have to continue to work on their game and keep improving in order to make another league championship run. Remember, you become a team during the season and you become a player during the off season. Thank you to the community, especially the Catalina Islander, for your continued support. We’ll see you all in the Fall.
