The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball Team traveled to Fullerton, CA, on Saturday, Feb. 1 to face the Eastside Christian Eagles.
Both teams have struggled with the vastly improved competition in the San Joaquin League this year and so these games had special significance.
The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball Team traveled to Fullerton, CA, on Saturday, Feb. 1 to face the Eastside Christian Eagles.
Both teams have struggled with the vastly improved competition in the San Joaquin League this year and so these games had special significance.
In the first contest both teams seemed nervous and the play was sloppy even though it was a hard fought contest throughout. Avalon led 23-10 at halftime and felt pretty confident that they were the better team. However in the 3rd quarter the Lancers let their guard down and gave up 10 points from their 13-point lead.
Avalon continued to play poorly in the 4th quarter and Eastside ended up tying the game and sending it into overtime. In the overtime period the Lancer defense didn’t give up a point and Ernesto Gomez made 4 out of 5 free throws to win the game for Avalon. Danny Jimenez led all scorers with 20 points and was definitely the best player on the court this day, as he has been many times this season.
In the second game against Eastside the Lancers played their best game of the season and emerged victorious by a score of 52-38.
This was a total team effort and served notice for potential future successes. Junior Danny Jimenez led the way with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Sophomores Jose Silva and Ernesto Gomez were real big in this game as well, each scoring 12 points and dishing out 4 assists. Freshmen Emanuel Amezcua and Chris Alcala were instrumental in the victory also, contributing 10 points to the cause and holding well under pressure.
Sophomore Harrison Hobbs is becoming a force on the inside and the Lancers now have a more balanced attack. Senior David Castro was our defensive leader applying pressure, stopping their best player, diving for loose balls and even taking charges. Senior Colin Campbell was a little under the weather but still came in and provided quality basketball at critical points in the game.
Our two seniors, Castro and Campbell will be honored in a pregame ceremony at our last league home game, this Monday, February 10th at 1pm against Capistrano Valley Christian.
Both players have contributed 4 years to our program with nothing but hard work, great attitude and quiet leadership. They will be missed but I’m sure they will become positive contributing members of our society. Thanks to both of you for your commitment to Avalon Basketball and good luck in all your future endeavors.
Steve Hall is coach of the Avalon Lancers.
