Monday, January 23, 2024
Record: 17-3
The JV Hoopsters started their four game homestand with a convincing win. Acalanes defeated the Berean Christian Eagles by a score of 73 to 31. With this win, the Dons remained undefeated in league play (7-0), and their season record improved to 17-3!!
Coach Thomas decided to change his starting lineup for the Eagles. One of these changes involved having Landon Deily start as center. This move immediately paid off. Landon controlled the tip off and proceeded to score the Dons first five points. Julian Hood hit a three pointer. The Dons were up 8-3. Gavin Beers entered the game and had back-to-back steals. The defensive wizard finished each steal with an impressive layup. The home team’s lead quickly grew to twelve points. A beautiful Illias Kaplanes-Jones layup added to the score. Chase Bahou ended the quarter with a three pointer. The Dons led 23-8.
Deonte Littlejohn started the 2nd quarter with two points. Chase hit a three pointer. Bethel Imasuen dished the ball nicely to Lorenzo Cangini for another score. Stifling defense along with their motion offense, the home team was ready to end this game early. Donovan McGrath passed to AJ Hastings for two points. Chase hit again from outside. The Dons were ripping the Eagles apart. It was 36-15 midway through the quarter. The back court duo of Donovan and Chase continued the onslaught. The two guards, who combined for 20 points in the game, fed off each other for several layups. It was 48-15 at halftime.
During halftime intermission, super fan, Jennifer Montague, made these observations: “The team has great energy tonight. It is awesome to watch our players have fun and support one another. Coach Thomas has done a nice job of mixing up his player combinations. Everyone is contributing to this win.”
The third quarter mirrored Jennifer’s observations. The quarter showcased new Dons stars. Illias Kaplanes-Jones, who scored six points in the game, poured in a bucket. Spencer Clark chipped in a basket. Dons were now leading 52-21. Landon, who erupted for a season high 11 points, continued to be a force inside. He dished the ball nicely to Spencer for a bucket, then turned around and scored a bucket of his own. The home team showed no mercy as the lead grew to 37 points. The quarter ended with a Spencer two pointer. Dons 60, Eagles 23.
The final quarter started like most JV Dons games do, which is a sweet move by Lorenzo for a bucket. Donovan followed with a three pointer. Deonte, who had a season high 9 points, scored the next two baskets. Sean Khouw hit a three pointer. It was a complete team victory. The Final score was Dons 73, Eagles 31.
Josh Elerts, who played on last year’s junior varsity team, had this to say about his current squad: “Our records show how much we have accomplished”. The superstar center continued to say: “It shows how hard we work and how talented we are. We set team goals at the beginning of the season, and we are hitting these goals.”
The JV Basketball team homestead continues with Miramonte. This pivotal game will help determine the Diablo League Championship. Please join us on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 for this must win game. Tip-off is at 5:30pm. Fear the Blue!