Saturday, December 7, 2024
Record: 4-0
For the first time in over thirty-five years, the Acalanes Dons won the John Rhodes Tournament, previously known as the Acalanes JV Invitational, by defeating San Ramon Valley High School. The final score was 54 to 45. The Dons remain undefeated at 4-0.
“We took in to them in the 1st quarter” Stated assistant Coach Greg Anderson.
Coach Eric Thomas and Coach Anderson had the home team ready to play as soon as the ball tipped. Prior to this game, San Ramon Valley Wolverines had easily defeated their opponents. They expected to demolish their hosts, an inspired Dons team quickly let their guests know that this night would be different.
Jackson Boselli, fresh off his heroics against Dublin got Acalanes started. His layup game and put back rebound put the Dons up 4-0. Shea Stahl, number 12, hit a three pointer. Dons up early, 7-0. Another Jackson pushed the lead to eight points. The energy of the home crowd was fueling the Dons’ defense. It was suffocating San Ramon’s offense. In fact, the Wolverines scored only six 1st quarter points. A three pointer by Bryce Mansour gave the Dons a nine-point lead.
Per Coach Greg’s statement, Acalanes had taken San Ramon in the first quarter, 15-6
The Dons started the 2nd quarter with the same intensity. Bryce started the period with a sweet mid-range shoot. His basket was followed by a Calean Augustine’s three pointer. Calean’s shot was pure magic since he had just entered the game, let it fly, and found nothing but net. But that shot also seemed to wake up San Ramon. San Ramon collected themselves and went on a mini run. They closed the gap down to eight points. A three pointer by Jackson Boselli pushed the score to 23-12 in favor of the Dons. San Ramon would counter only to have Bryce Mansour counter their scoring. The Dons led 26-16, but San Ramon would not go away. They proceed to do another mini run to close the gap to five points.
At halftime, it was the Dons 26, San Ramon 21.
The Dons again jumped on their opponents early. A Jackson Boselli layup started the 3rd quarter. Dons 28, San Ramon 21. Bryce Mansour’ sweet reverse layup countered a San Ramon score. Sam Phillips and Justice Hembrador showed the Dons are not a two-man team. Their scoring kept San Ramon at bay.
After three quarters, it was 39-31.
The fourth quarter started poorly for Acalanes. San Ramon is a great team, well coached with enthusiastic players. Instead of conceding the championship to the Dons, this great team went on a scoring run to tie the game, 39-39. Coach Thomas wisely called a timeout to challenge his team to finish strongly. The young Dons listened to their coach. They responded with a Shea Stahl’s score. But the visiting team would not quit. The Wolverines tied the game, 44-44. The nervous hometown crowd hoped the Dons had one last counter run in them. And they did. John MacLeod bullied himself inside for a score. A Sam Phillips three pointer extended the lead. Once again, it was Jackson Boselli, who ended his opponents’ hopes. His night-night three pointer made the score 52 to 45. Jackson, who earned Tournament MVP, further cemented his team victory with a layup.
The Dons won the John Rhodes Championship with a final score of 54 to 45.
“This was an exciting tournament.” Stated Coach Anderson. Coach Anderson, who is new to the Acalanes program, added: “We rose to the occasion. We played some outstanding teams, and the boy came through. Everyone up and down the lineup contributed.”
Besides winning the John Rhodes tournament, several Acalanes players receive individual awards and recognition:
Number Player’s Name Award #4 Jackson Boselli (Captain) Tournament MVP #11 Bryce Mansour All Tournament #12 Shea Stahl (Captain) Rhodes Recipient
Head Coach Eric Thomas had this to say about his team’s tournament performance: “We all knew how long it has been for Acalanes to win the Rhodes Tournament; and the boys bought in early on how to work hard and push each other to win against a strong field.” Thomas further added: “We had a great week of practice leading up to the tournament. This victory is a testament to how bad they wanted as well as the special group we have. Greg and I are very lucky to have such a strong group of young men.”
The JV Hoopster magical journey continues at the JV Hornet Tournament in Alameda.
Come out and support your Dons!
Reported by: Spencer and Steve Clark
