The second match up of the year occurred Thursday evening in Walnut Creek between the Acalanes Dons and Northgate Broncos. The Dons were poised to execute their game plan which included inserting Bennett Dodge at center who was not present during the first meeting. Bennett won the tip, regained possession and passed to a cutting Eli Brent for two points over the front of the rim. Next offensive possession Eli scored on another driving layup. Jack Bayless was fouled in the post and on the next trip down the floor scored after ripping a rebound and driving the length of the court for two points. Justin Zegarowski pulled up at the rim, hung in the air to let his defender pass and laid it in for two. Bayless followed with a bucket on an inbound pass from Coco Gannon under their own basket to end the first quarter 15-8.
Making an immediate impact at the start of the second quarter Taran Krishan hit a runner in the lane for two and followed that with tough defense taking a charge and causing a Broncos loss of possession. Jack Bayless stepped through the lane and was fouled making both free throws with the score now 19-11 in the Don’s favor. Koleton Fenton hit a push shot in the lane for a basket and Nathan Bennett came through with a driving shot that scored and was fouled in the process for an “and one” opportunity. Back into the game Eli Brent drove to the rim and was fouled making one of two free throws and then drew a charge on a Bronco attempting to hit a floater in the lane. Possession Dons! At this point midway through the 2nd quarter both coaches had been warned by the refs, indicating a sign that this was a battle both teams wanted badly. Zubin Acuna worked his magic hitting a 15 footer for two points making the score 26-19. Bennett blocked a shot for another one and done possession for the Broncos. Bayless made one of two free throws and Eli took another charge to end the half and was sent flying after holding his ground until contact. He would be out for the second half tending to a bruised elbow and hip. Score: 27-19.
Jack Bayless started the third quarter scoring while driving left for two points in the paint. Landon Santos hit a timely three point shot. Another momentum shift occurred when Bennett Dodge blocked a shot into the stratosphere and soon after Landon Santos hit another three pointer, which settled things down after several Dons’ turnovers. Justin Zegarowski pitched in by hitting a jumper from the left wing for two, was fouled and hit the “and one” for a three point play. The score was now 38-33 Dons at the end of the 3rd period.
Bennett Dodge set the tone on defense to start the final quarter by blocking a shot and directing the tip to Zegarowski. Coco started the drive up the floor and hit Jack Bayless cutting backdoor for a layup. On the next possession Justin found Bayless for a post up bucket for two more points. Baffling the Broncos defense Justin scored off an inbound play for a decisive bucket. Coco Gannon found Dodge cutting through the lane and Dodge was fouled and stretched the lead by swishing both free throws. Landon Santos was fouled in the bonus with the Broncos attempting to stop the clock. Santos made one of two free throws. The Dons’ defense held strong over the final minutes of the game concluding with a Coco Gannon steal and a final score of 47-39 Dons!
Jack Bayless was the high Scorer with 16 points, followed by Landon Santos and Justin Zegarowski with 7 and Eli Brent with 5. Next game is a rematch against this past Wednesday’s feisty opponent, College Park on the road at 11:30 AM.