The Avalon High boys varsity basketball team has found out that winning can be contagious. After finally capturing their first victory of the season the Lancers have gone on a seven-game winning streak and are right in the middle of a battle for a league championship.
On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Lancers faced the defending league champs, Southlands Christian, at home in a doubleheader. In the first game the Lancers played pretty even with the Eagles at the start of the game. Avalon led 31-25 at halftime and then took control of the game in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Eagles 16-6. The final score was Avalon 61 and Southlands 46.
Jacob Mello and Darren Hall led the way with 26 and 20 points, respectively. Mello also grabbed 8 rebounds. Brandon Tamayo continued his solid play and contributed 9 points and 5 rebounds.
In game two the Lancers came out on fire, scoring 22 points in the 1st quarter, led by Aaron Castro’s 8 points and inspired play. By the end of the 3rd quarter the Lancers had built a 61-37 advantage and ultimately won the game 70-52. Jacob Mello, Aaron Castro, and Darren Hall were the leaders in this one. Mello had 21 points, Castro 17, and Hall 12.
The Lancers next league game was on Tuesday, Jan. 23, against Anaheim Discovery, at home. Avalon played another solid game and came away with a 60-47 victory. Jacob Mello and Darren Hall continued to show their worth. Mello scored 22 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and made 6 for 6 from the free throw line. Hall scored 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and stole the ball 4 times.
Avalon’s next opponent was a non-league match against Magnolia Science Academy, on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Although the Lancers didn’t play their best game of the season, they still came away with the victory by a score of 61-44. Avalon had a balanced attack in this one, with 4 players scoring in double figures. Nalu Machado-Martin led the way with 12 points. He sank three shots from afar and provided tenacious defense all over the court. Brandon Moreno played his best game of the season, scoring 11 points and dishing out 3 assists. Jacob Mello added 11 points to the cause as well.
The Lancers are now 6-1 in league play and will face Acaciawood today, Jan. 26, at 5 p.m. We will honor our seniors before their last regular season game. Come on up and be a part of our winning Lancer Spirit.
