The Acalanes JV boys welcomed coach Herley back to the sidelines Monday evening with their best start out of the gates in over two weeks. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to overcome a determined Las Lomas team, who was able to prevail 70-64.

Liam Krackeler kept his hot shooting streak going with 8 points in the first quarter as the Dons jumped ahead 16-14. Joe Reidenbach returned to the lineup as well, and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard with a driving layup in transition off a strong rebound from Matthew Bacon.

The Dons extended their lead in the 2nd quarter to 27-18 with pressure defense and some inside buckets from Trevor Carillo, but Las Lomas would not back down. The Knights went on a 23-7 run in the few minutes before and after the halftime break, behind a handful of three pointers to jump out to a lead of their own.

The Don’s fought their way back to a 43-43 tie, with Cooper Edelman finding his rhythm on some Euro-step drives around the basket, and Liam Krackeler making a couple steals and connecting on a three pointer.

In the 4th quarter Liam Gallagher evoked memories of 1980s Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson, coming off the bench for a quick couple baskets. Jaden McClane scored multiple times in the paint, and Ian Salmon and Joe Reidenbach both hit jumpers to keep the game in reach before Las Lomas pulled away in the final minutes.

Liam Krackeler led the Dons with 15 points and pulled down 4 rebounds. Jaden McClane had 11 points and led the team with 8 rebounds. Cooper Edelman chipped in with 10 points, and Ian Salmon, JB Frolich, and Trevor Carillo each scored 6 points.