Three weeks ago, Clayton Valley came into Lafayette and delivered a 58–13 drubbing so brutal that it barely qualified as a basketball game. It was the kind of loss that makes you question the sport, the season, and whether the rim has been slightly raised when nobody was looking.

So no — nobody was exactly thrilled about seeing the Ugly Eagles again.

Clayton Valley arrived at the DAL Finals with a gaudy 24–3 record, the #1 seed, and a roster that looked less like a high school team and more like a collection of grown men who pay taxes and own patio furniture.

But this rematch had two key differences:

• Acalanes was coming off the best win of the year — a 77–45 playoff demolition of Campolindo.

• The Dons would have Cam Hood and Preston Hilsabeck back, both of whom missed the first matchup due to illness.

This time, Acalanes showed up healthy, confident, and ready to prove that February basketball is not played in the shadow of January embarrassment.

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A Different Game Immediately

From the opening tip, it was obvious this was not going to be another funeral.

The Dons traded punches early:

• Gavin Dodge bucket

• A.J. Hastings three

• Julian Hood three

• Cam attacking the hoop

After one quarter, the score was tied 15–15.

Which, remarkably, was more points than Acalanes scored in the entire first game.

Progress.

Julian Hood showing poise and strength while #14 attempts to undress him (a foul in most countries, if not cause for arrest).

Halftime Shock: Dons Dead Even

Clayton Valley was bigger at all five positions.

Midway through the game, the author received a text from his eldest son who was watching the game online:

“#3 and #24 are grown ass men.”

Accurate.

And yet… Acalanes matched them anyway.

In the second quarter, Julian Hood hit two key three-pointers and played fearless defense, helping steady the offense. Bryce Mansour added a key bucket during a stretch when every possession felt magnified.

Behind tough shot-making, ball movement, and confidence, the Dons went into halftime tied:

34–34.

At that point, one had to wonder…

Maybe the first game was just advanced scouting…
a 45-point data collection exercise…
so the Dons could show up with answers this time.

Bryce takes it into traffic against a fully grown Ugly Eagle angrily protecting his nest.

Third Quarter: The Dons Would Not Go Away

The third quarter was a heavyweight round.

Cam hit big threes.
Julian answered again.
Gavin battled inside.
Preston knocked down a massive three.

At the end of three:

45–45.

The Dons had taken Clayton Valley — the best team in the league — into deep water.

Preston nailed a Corner 3….yet again.

A.J. Hastings had a 3 pointer in every quarter, en route to 12 points.

Fourth Quarter: The Eagles’ Size Finally Shows

For six minutes, Acalanes was right there.

But Clayton’s physicality began to grind.

Turnovers crept in.
Second-chance points piled up.
The Eagles started finishing through contact.

Still, the Dons refused to fold.

And then came the moment that shook the gym:

Midway through the fourth quarter, with Clayton trying to finish at the rim, Gavin Dodge served up a piping-hot Wilson Burger, sending it back to Concord — the kind of rejection that makes an entire crowd gasp before erupting.

(Clip for those who appreciate fine cuisine:)
https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxC8XoJ34yVyvNKJ4YGmLkY_qD2Zf0NbDg

Cam Hood drilled a three late to keep hope alive. Earlier in the game a nice drive and bucket:

The Dons fought to the end, but Clayton’s depth and strength closed it out.

Final score:

Clayton Valley 69
Acalanes 57

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Mt. Rushmore Update: The Mountain is Complete

Even in a tough loss, there was a shining moment of joy: