Facing Alameda in their last game before the holiday break, the Dons were up against a formidable team of shooters. After some missed shots from both teams, Alameda got the game going with a 3 and then a quick drive for 2. Jake Davis fed Jack Bayless for an inside pass who hit a pretty turnaround jumper getting the Dons on the board.
After Alameda hit another 3, Theo Stoll went to the line, hit both free throws and then followed up dishing to Jake underneath the basket. Jake was fouled on the play and hit his FT for a 3 point play making it a one point game.
Jake driving for his 3 point play
Both teams were playing clean in the first period, very few fouls, not very physical. Jake had a nice assist to Liam Krackeler, Jack hit a couple of free-throws and Theo drove a fast break for a layup on the buzzer to end the first. Jack had a pair of blocks which ignited the crowd and Jake had a pair of boards and assists, but Alameda’s high shooting percentage beyond the arc gave them the edge.
The second period kicked off with Theo getting a steal and Jake feeding another assist to Jack under the basket.
Theo showing some ball skills after one of his two steals in the 2nd period
Some highlights in the period included a sweet swish from Brady Quinn hitting a big 3, Jake taking a charge which had the crowd in an uproar and Justin Zegarowski, Jack and Jake all grabbing boards. Jack was playing hard, forcing turnovers, and the Dons were passing the ball keeping the Hornets on their toes, but the buckets weren’t dropping. Alameda had a few more 3s and kept the lead going into the half.
The highlight of the second half was the Dons ability to find a shooter with smart and clean assists. All of the Dons second half field goals were scored off of assists. In the third period, Theo had three assists, teaming up with Zubin Acuna for two, first feeding Zubin under the basket and then dishing out to Zubin for one of his signature Zub 3s, and then to Jake for a bucket. Likewise, Jake and Jack had another assist bucket combo.
The assists continued in the 4th, Theo added two more to his total feeding Jake and Brady. And Trevor Carillo got into the mix, having three back to back plays to Brady, the first two with Brady driving for layups and the third was feeding Brady for a deep 3 for the Dons last bucket of the game.
The Dons defense made some adjustments in the second half and closed down Alameda’s perimeter shooters, but the Hornets responded with such a strong ability to drive inside and shifted their scoring to put up a lot of points in the paint.
The Varsity Dons are going into a mini holiday break before heading down to San Diego to close out 2022 at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic tournament. For those looking to warm up over the holidays, head on down to San Diego, the tournament runs December 27-30.
Happy Holidays!