Wednesday, January 17 2024
Record: 15-3
“Our goal is to be a 20-game winning team” stated shooting guard, Sean Khouw. With their victory over Alhambra, the JV team inched closer to their goal. The visiting Dons defeated the Bulldogs by a score of 62 to 38. The Dons improved to 5-0 in league play and 15-3 for the season!
Acalanes controlled the tip off. AJ Hastings, who has grown as a playmaker and distributor, made a nice pass to Josh Elerts for the Don’s first basket. The teams then started to exchange baskets, which resulted in a 4-4 tie. At this moment, Coach Thomas decided to take a time out to remind his team not to play down to their opponent. Acalanes responded to their coach. An AJ two pointer followed by a Josh two pointer, provided a four-point lead. Deonte Littlejohn fed Josh for another basket. Julian Hood, #2, entered the game and immediately hit a three-pointer. The Dons led 13-8 after one quarter.
The Dons expanded their lead in the 2nd quarter. Josh started with a basket followed by another Julian three pointer. Coach Thomas started to mix and match his lineups, which gave every member of his team an opportunity to play. Bethel Imasuen put back an errant shot for another two points. Julian, who shot 50 percent from 3-point range for the game (4 out of 8), hit another three pointer. Lorenzo Cangini quickly added five points. The Dons were dominating the Bulldogs. The home team trailed by thirteen points at halftime.
The Dons showed no mercy. Josh, who had 16 points for the game, continued to pour in buckets from inside while Julian and Lorenzo continued to hit buckets from beyond the arc. Bethel powered in for another basket. After three quarters of plays, it was Dons 44, Bulldogs 24.
The final quarter showcased how deep and talented this young squad is. Donvan McGrath and Spencer Clark poured in five points apiece. Chase Bahou hit a beautiful three-point shot. Sean Khouw added a basket as did Bethel, who had a season-high 6 points for the game. Unfortunately, the Dons jubilant mood was hampered by Nico Ortman’s injury. Nico went down hard with an apparent knee issue and needed assistance off the court.
When asked about this team compared to last year’s team, Sean Khouw had this to say: “Last year Frosh team did not play up to its talent level. We are now playing up to our talent level, and each game we get better.”
The JV Basketball team will need to bring their best game of the year as they next face Campolindo. Campolindo, who are 4-1 in league play, defeated this Dons team three times last year. Please join us on the road for this important game. The archrivals face off on Friday, January 19 at 6:00pm. Fear the Blue!