If Chris Huber said it once, he said it a thousand times: “It’s a beautiful day in Lafayette, California.”
On Thursday night, as the Chris Huber Memorial Tournament tipped off, it wasn’t just a beautiful day — it was an immortal one, and a signature victory for Coach Bill Powers, who guided his squad with unwavering belief through every twist of this miraculous comeback.
It definitely did not look early on like this was going to be one of Acalanes’ best games of the year. In fact, it looked like the boys from Piedmont — a town Acalanes fans famously tease for being a “sissy town” that pretends it’s tough like Oakland — were about to stroll into Lafayette and put a whooping on us. The offense looked stuck, the energy felt flat, and nothing yet hinted at the miracle to come. But then the ball started moving, the rhythm returned, and a team that had looked disjointed began to find itself.
Piedmont came out surprisingly physical, landing the first punches and taking a 21–14 lead after one. They stayed hot into the second quarter, eventually pushing the halftime score to 41–35. For the Dons, Bryce Mansour’s 5 gritty points, Shea Stahl’s gorgeous slashing bucket in those magnificent pink shoes, and 8 essential points from Julian Hood kept the team afloat. And quietly — but critically — Gavin Dodge poured in 7 first-half points despite a Piedmont defensive scheme clearly designed to slow him down. His poise under pressure kept the Dons in striking distance.
And the stands? Electric — boosted by the return of Acalanes alums Maddox Malm and Brady Quinn, both key contributors to last season’s DAL-winning squad. Their presence brought real championship energy back into the gym. And of course, making the evening even brighter was Sherry Quinn, who firmly holds a place on the Mt. Rushmore of attractive parents in the storied history of Acalanes athletics.
Speaking of Julian — this night would ultimately become his masterpiece. Known for defensive toughness and relentless motor, Julian revealed an entirely new chapter of his game: shot-making, playmaking, poise, and offensive command. It was, without question, the best all-around performance of his Acalanes career.
The Middle Rounds: Punch, Counterpunch, Fireworks
The third quarter became a wild shootout: threes raining from both sides, with Piedmont hitting several soul-crushing shots that made the comeback feel even more unlikely.
Things looked bleak early in the fourth. Piedmont stretched the lead to 12, and you could practically feel the resignation. A few grandparents packed up their jackets, muttering about “catching the end of Jeopardy,” and quietly slipped out —
choosing trivia comfort over what looked like an inevitable defeat.
Little did they know they were about to miss the miracle of their lives.
Then, with 2:43 left, A.J. Hastings buried a huge three to cut it to 68–59. It felt too late…
…but so did Lake Placid in 1980.
So did the Red Sox in ’04.
So did the Patriots erasing a 28–3 deficit in the Super Bowl.
What happened next defied logic, probability, gravity, and common sense.
The Rally: When the Impossible Became the Expected
Cam Hood ignited the comeback with a massive steal and layup — 68–61 with 2:20 to go — and suddenly the Piedmont bench tightened up:
pure Eminem energy, knees weak, arms heavy vibes as they started choking on the moment.
Moments later, Julian Hood bulldozed through contact, scored, got fouled, and stepped to the line like a man possessed. When he completed the three-point play to make it 69–64, the entire energy in Huber Gym flipped.
Julian wasn’t just defending.
He wasn’t just hustling.
He was becoming a star in real time.
A shooter. A passer. An all-around force. A Don transformed.
Then A.J. struck again — a cold, fearless, season-defining three with 37 seconds left to bring it to 69–67.
Your author blacked out emotionally after that shot, so the next 47 seconds are lost to history…
but when consciousness returned:
We were going to overtime.
Huber Magic Level: infinite.
Overtime: Acalanes Ascendant
From the OT tip, Acalanes seized control. A.J. and Cam delivered early daggers, Piedmont wilted, and the Dons surged with destiny at their backs.
A few stat lines deserve the spotlight:
🌟 Julian Hood — 14 points on 5-for-10, and the best game of his Acalanes career
Not just a defender.
Not just an energy guy.
A shooter. A playmaker. A backbone. A revelation.
🌟 Cam Hood — 22 points, 5 assists, 0 turnovers
A masterclass in composure, scoring, and leadership.
🌟 A.J. Hastings — 14 points on 3-for-7 from deep
Clutch, fearless, and devastating when the lights were brightest.
🌟 Gavin Dodge — 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 turnovers
The glue, the engine — and despite two missed OT free throws that cost his follicly challenged yet extremely handsome father another layer of hair, he was superb.
🌟 Preston Hilsabeck — 12 rebounds, pure Moses Malone energy
A rebounding force with sneaky post moves that made Piedmont defenders look like folding chairs.
When the final horn sounded, it was Acalanes 80, Piedmont 77, sealing one of the greatest comebacks in modern Dons history and giving Coach Bill Powers one of the most electrifying victories of his career.
Round Two: Pack the Huber Gym
The story isn’t over.
Round 2 of the Chris Huber Memorial Tournament tips off Friday night at 8:30 p.m. at Acalanes — a true revenge game against a tough Monte Vista squad that beat the Dons in the meaningless Foundation Game just two weeks ago.
This time, it matters.
This time, the gym will be rocking.
This time, the boys arrive with momentum, belief, and purpose.
If you saw the comeback, you already know.
If you didn’t — this is your moment to witness something unforgettable.
Bring your friends.
Bring your voice.
Bring the noise.
Because once again — it’s a beautiful day in Lafayette, California.
