The Avalon boys varsity basketball team has entered league play and the Lancers picked up an important win against league rival Southlands Christian on Monday, January 27, at home by a score of 57-48. The victory kept their hopes alive for a return trip to the CIF Playoffs.
The Lancers’ recent trend of success started on Saturday, January 25, against First Baptist of Long Beach. The Lancers came out running on all cylinders from the beginning of the game and never looked back, scoring 47 points in the first half alone. The 2nd half was much the same with the Lancers continuing their quality play, and finishing the game with an 82-52 victory.
This was a team the Lancers had lost to in their first game of the season by 17 points and serves as proof that Avalon is definitely an improved team. Jacob Mello was the leader in this game with 30 points, 18 rebounds, 7 steals, and 7 assists. Freshman Jackson Garcia was also a major contributor with 17 points, while Brandon Tamayo contributed 12 points to the cause.
Erick Madriz and Morgan Curiel provided the defensive punch and also added 10 points each to the final offensive tally. After the game, thanks to our Principal Mrs. Peguero, the Lancers were able to attend the Clippers game free of charge, so we jumped on a boat and off to the brand new Intuit Dome we did go.
In their game against Southlands Christian on Monday, January 27, the Lancers again were led by Senior Captain Jacob Mello. Mello had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Erick Madriz put in another fine performance as well, scoring 12 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots. Joe Ruiz played his best game of the season, scoring 10 points and applying defensive pressure all over the court. Morgan Curiel was also a major contributor with his lockdown defense and timely baskets.
The Lancers will now travel to Rowland Heights on Friday, January 31 to face Southlands Christian in a rematch. If the Lancers are successful in this game they will keep their playoff hopes alive and will come back home to face Webb the following day. If they can beat Webb at home they will finish in a 3rd place tie with Webb and will have to face them again in a wildcard game to decide who gets the third playoff spot in our league. We will be honoring our Seniors Jacob Mello, Brandon Tamayo, and Joe Ruiz before the game on Saturday, at 1 p.m., so come on up and support your local high school hoopsters as they make a run for the playoffs.
