The loud and excited crowd sat in anticipation as the game had ended until they erupted into cheers and claps when players returned to their respective sides of the gym. The Bonita Vista High (BVH) Barons take the win in their non-conference game against the Christian High School (CHS) Patriots. The Barons maintained their strength, team chemistry, and focus throughout the entirety of the game, utilizing both plays, and spur of the moment opportunity to achieve an early lead and maintain it. Point guard and freshman Jerry Stokes (4) expresses his feelings towards the game as a whole.
“This was a great and competitive game and we continued to improve as the game progressed, ending up with the win,” Stokes said.
The Barons open up the first quarter by racking up the score in their favor. This led CHS to call the first time-out (TO) of the game at 5:28, the score 8-0 in favor of BVH. When the game recommences, the Barons slow down the game. They work on passing the ball and taking their time, looking for the opportunity for that perfect shot. BVH varsity boys’ head coach Don Dumas elaborates on the team’s strengths throughout the game.
“In this game, not settling for the first open shot and players working together to get a good shot is what we did best,” Dumas said.
On top of their excelling offensive performance during the first quarter, BVH maintained A grade defense that prevented the Patriots from scoring for such an extensive part of the first quarter. Senior Torrean Smalley (11) is one of the core members of BVH’s defense. Smalley explains how he contributed to the team’s solid defense, and reflects on things he could have improved on during this particular game.
“My swiping was really good, I got a lot of steals today, but I could’ve boxed out more and had more ball awareness,” Smalley said.
The first quarter buzzer sounds with the score at a solid 25-7 and BVH in the lead. Despite their success in the first quarter, the Barons still had three more quarters to work through before they could seal the win. Dumas explains why the team struggled in the second quarter of the game.
“The second quarter we needed to improve the most on our shot selection and valuing the ball,” Dumas said.
As the quarter progressed, the Barons seemingly lost their momentum as the Patriots began to find the holes in their defense. CHS’s sophomore guard, Julian LeBel (0) was able to slip through for a few shots close up, and 3-pointers. Despite this BVH maintained their lead, even if it was in lesser quantity. As the game turned over to the third quarter, BVH began rebuilding their momentum. Almost immediately after the clock for the third quarter began, Junior Aaron Owens (22) scored a 3-pointer and set the Barons on the right track.
“In the second quarter we laid back and let them come back a bit, but in the third quarter we did good bringing the intensity back up.” Owens said.
During the third quarter BVH patched their defensive holes and CHS had to work hard to get any opportunities to score. With their defense refreshed, the Barons tightened up a little too much, and the Patriots earned a free throw. One of CHS’s juniors Gannon Pisapia takes these free throws and makes both despite the loud yelling in the stands. The same people that discourage CHS , yell shouts of encouragement to BVH players.
“I know a lot of athletes that are too focused on the crowd instead of the game, but it doesn’t really affect me because it’s something that I block out.” Smalley said.
The 12 point lead is maintained until the end of the third quarter. Though not yet reflected by the scoreboard, the Barons drastically improved their play from the second to third quarter. As the fourth quarter opens up, two valuable starters, senior captain Diego Figueroa (1), and senior Justice Peterson (13) are subbed out. Despite their absence, the Barons create a greater divide between the Patriot’s score and their own. With full stands and full support for BVH from the student section they pushed through the l
ast part of the fourth quarter.
“Thank you to all the students who came and supported us. We look forward to seeing you next time,” Dumas said.
The Barons push through the fatigue to obtain a few final points using their great team chemistry. The game ends with #2 on the barons holding the ball for the last couple of seconds and with a final score of 70-46. Stokes comments on how he feels about his team after this game.
“Our team has amazing chemistry and I love being on this team and playing with these guys,” Dumas said.
