Saturday, December 16, 2023
Record: 7-2
“He’s a stud.” Yelled the Rodriguez’s coach to his players. “I told you we must guard him. He is a stud.” The stud, the opposing coach was referring to, was Lorenzo Cangini. Lorenzo, who scored a season high 22 points, led the Dons to an easy victory. The Dons crushed Rodriguez by the score of 66-42.
The game once again started out sluggishly for Acalanes. The Dons had a difficult time scoring inside on the physical Rodriguez team. Then Lorenzo and the Dons started to score. He hit a three-point shot from outside. Lorenzo continued to score, and was in fact, the only Don to score in the first quarter. By the end of one, it was Lorenzo (the Dons) 13 and the Rodriguez Mustangs only 4.
In the second quarter, as the Mustang defense focused on Lorenzo, other Dons started to pour in points. Bethel Imasuen had a nice put back. Gavin Beers swished a three pointer. Arman Craig was fouled in a nice layup for another three points. Josh Elerts added two points to give the Dons a fifteen-point lead. The quarter concluded with a three pointer by AJ Hastings. The Dons now led 35-17 at halftime.
The third quarter started as the game did. Lorenzo showcasing his talents. The shooting guard hit two three pointers to give put Acalanes up 41-23. Point guard, Chase Bahou, then started to weave in and out of traffic for two layups. The quarter ended with Illias Kaplanes-Jones finding Gavin for a nice fast break. The Dons were in completed control of the game with a nineteen-point lead.
The final quarter was a bit chippy as the Mustangs did not enjoy being outplayed and outscored throughout the game. Illias, returning from an injury, battled through the negative energy. His positive energy inspired super booster, Jane Smith, and the Acalanes crowd to chant for the home team. The Dons rewarded their fans with a resounding victory. Dons 66. Mustangs 42.
Coach Eric Thomas, who coached many of these players the previous season, has made it a point to mix and match the various talent levels and basketball experience of his players. This strategy has worked well for the fiery coach. With this win, the JV team record now sits at 7-2.
The JV Basketball team will continue their season against Concord. Go Dons!
