Sporting an 11-6 overall record, the Boys Varsity Basketball team is confident about the season despite fierce competition. After placing second in the Azusa Tournament and third in the El Rancho Tournament, the Rams lost their final preseason game to the Alhambra Moors and lost their league opener to La Cañada.
The Rams hosted the Spartans to open league on Jan. 13. After keeping it close in the first quarter, the Rams gave up 21 points while only managiing to score eight in the third quarter, losing the game by a final score of 76-52.
Although they had beat the Moors on Dec. 12, the Rams were unable to achieve the same success and finish the preseason with a victory. The team only scored 15 points in the first half, but came storming back in the second, scoring 23 and 25 points in the third and fourth quarter, respectively. Despite their valient effort, the Rams fell short, losing the game 67-63.
“We shot the ball really well and managed to stay close,” Senior Jeremy Wong said. “But unfortunately they made a go-ahead shot with three seconds left to give them the win. We were disappointed that we lost but knew we showed great effort.”
The team won its first three games in the Azusa Tournament against Gladstone, Charter Oaks and Covina from Dec. 14-16. However, they were unable to beat Gabrielino because of the Eagle’s presses and defense, losing by a fina score of 77-59.
“Most of the games were kept at a fast tempo with lots of energy, and the games that we lost were usually because we didn’t come out with energy,” Junior Michael Chen said. “We’re strong from the outside and perimeter shots, but our main problem is breaking a press.”
To eliminate weaknesses and enhance strengths, the team goes over plays or scrimmages two hours a day in the gym.
“This season we’re trying to improve the way we play,” Senior Richard Hollinger said. “We want to play harder, faster and with more energy. If we play hard then we have a good chance.”
Despite recent setbacks, the players are still hopeful that they will finish the season near the top of the league standings, and hopes to advance in C.I.F..
“This year is going to be really tough because all the teams in our league have improved from last year.” Wong said. “But I think this year we will do better than last year. This year our team shares the ball more and is less selfish. We did lose some very good players from last year but I think everyone this year has stepped their game up. This year we get along with everyone on our team. Our team is a bunch of brothers in one big family.”