The Avalon Boys Varsity Basketball Team has competed in 11 preseason games in preparation for their upcoming league season and hopefully a return to the C.I.F. Playoffs. After winning the Express League Championship last season the Lancers have been moved up to a more competitive league for this season and will need to step up their game if they want to make it back to the playoffs. They have come up short in all of their games so far but have gained valuable experience and have steadily improved along the way. Senior Jacob Mello has been the leader on the offensive end of the court and Junior Erick Madriz has been a force on the defensive end. Senior Brandon Tamayo has been our floor leader while Junior Morgan Curiel and Senior Joe Ruiz have continued to improve their overall game. Freshman Jackson Garcia has been a positive force in his first year of varsity play and like the other players, is anxious to start league play. Senior Manases Rubio and Juniors Nathan Villagra and Aaron Rubio are joining us after a successful football season and will definitely strengthen our team.
In their first game of the season against First Baptist Avalon lost 78-61. Jacob Mello played a good game in a losing effort scoring 29 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. In their second game of the season versus Westminster High School the Lancers played inspired basketball throughout the game with Brandon Tamayo leading the way with 24 points and Mello adding 20 points to the cause. In their best game of the preseason the Lancers lost 61-58 in overtime against Mesrobian on Saturday, December 21, after losing to the same team by 40 points the previous day. Both teams treated the fans to a great high school basketball game, one for the ages. Unfortunately, Avalon came out on the losing end. Jacob Mello was the star for Avalon, scoring 39 points, and grabbing 5 rebounds. He was unstoppable until he fouled out in the overtime period.
On Thursday, December 26 the Lancers took their game to the road and competed in a 3-day tournament consisting of 32 teams in Santa Barbara. On the final day of the tournament Avalon played against longtime rival Holy Martyrs. The Armens defeated the Lancers 63-41. Jacob Mello and Erick Madriz were the outstanding players in this game for Avalon. Mello scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds while Madriz scored 12 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and had 5 steals.
The Lancers have another preseason game at home on Saturday, January 4, at 2 p.m., versus Santa Ana Valley. Come on up and support your local high school hoopsters as they continue to prepare for their league competition, which starts on Friday, January 10, at home against Southlands Christian at 5 p.m.
