Thursday, December 7, 2023
Lesson learned.
Just like last their last game, the Dons lead with about 25 seconds left in the game. Yet, this time, the Dons ended the game with tight defense. Two clutch free throws by Lorenzo Cangini clinched the game. The Dons defeated the hometown Hornets by the final score of 66-63.
Coach Thomas mixed up his starting lineup by featuring Landon Deily and AJ Hastings. The new lineup had mixed results as Alameda jumped to a 6-2 early lead. When Alameda increased their lead to 13-5, Coach Eric Thomas called a timeout to settle our team down. The strategic move worked well as our team closed out the quarter on a run, highlighted by a corner three pointer by Arman Craig. After the first quarter, the score was 17-16 in favor of Alameda.
In the second quarter, the Dons continued to outplay the home team. Chase Bahou, #1, started the quarter with a nice layup. Gavin Beers added to the scoring by pouring in a three-point shot. The Dons soon found themselves up 26-19. Alameda behind its energetic fans countered with a run of their own. Julian Hood with a nice floater ended the run. Dons lead at halftime, 32-28.
The third quarter again featured the Dons trying to pull away, but the Hornets fighting back to pull close. Bethel Imasuen, who was a force on the offensive board with 6 rebounds, scored the first bucket. Arman Craig had a nice pass to Josh Elerts for an easy bucket. The quarter ended with a score of 48-46 in favor of Acalanes.
The final quarter went back and forth. With one team capturing the lead, only to have the other team grab the lead right back. Alameda appeased their frantic fans by taking a late lead. But Bethel Imasuen would not be denied. He made an incredible floater to give our team the lead and eventual victory.
It was a great game. It was with the newest additions, Bethel Imasuen and Chase Bahou, that led and carried the Dons to victory. Chase, the leading scorer, had to this say about the game: “We needed to slow things down. Once we did, we played with heart, and never gave up. That was the difference.”
The Junior Varsity team improved to 4-1 for the season. The Dons will continue to play in Hornet JV Tournament. The next game is on Friday, December 8. We hope you come out and support our team. Go Dons!