Acalanes came out strong Friday afternoon and set the tone early, earning a 50–37 win over Alhambra despite nearly half the squad out with injuries or illness. While only suiting up 8, Acalanes wasted no time establishing momentum, jumping out to a 20–7 lead in the opening quarter behind active defense and efficient shot-making. The Dons continued to apply pressure…
Two stars of the night: Dunking Landon Deily and Coach Ric Shepard Before getting to the basketball, a bit of context. Martinez is one of those towns that quietly carries more history than it lets on. Incorporated in 1876, it was an important Gold Rush–era trading and shipping hub, thanks to its location along the Carquinez Strait. Over the years,…
Acalanes delivered a dominant performance on Monday afternoon, pulling away early and never looking back in a 69–31 win over Las Lomas. Acalanes set the tone in the opening quarter, jumping out to a 15–5 lead behind strong defensive pressure and efficient shooting. The offense stayed balanced in the second quarter, matching Las Lomas 15–12 to take a 30–17 advantage…
The Dons played at Oakland High on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was a difficult night on the scoreboard, and not one that needs analysis here. Instead, we pause to reflect on the words of Dr. King, whose legacy reminds us that how we respond to adversity—on the court and off it—matters more than the result itself. “We must…
Acalanes picked up a 45–36 win on the road at Arroyo on Saturday, pulling away in the fourth quarter after Arroyo closed the gap coming out of halftime. Acalanes set the tone early, taking a 13–10 lead after the first quarter behind steady ball movement and disciplined defense. The Dons continued to control the pace in the second quarter, outscoring…
Before we get to the basketball, some geography—and a little history—are required. Where the heck is McKinleyville? If you answered “somewhere near Eureka,” you are technically correct.If you answered “a four-hour-and-twenty-minute drive north of Marin County,” you are correct and wondering whether Google Maps is playing a prank on you. McKinleyville is a small town on California’s far northern coast,…
From the opening moments, it was clear Thursday night at Northgate was going to be different. The pace was choppy, the energy uneven, and—perhaps fittingly—a horn accidentally sounded during the National Anthem. It turned out to be an early warning: this was going to be a game that required toughness more than touch. It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t elegant. It…
Acalanes put together a composed road performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Las Lomas 51–34 behind a fast start and sustained defensive pressure. The Dons took control early, opening the game with a 21–7 first quarter and carrying a 33–18 advantage into halftime. Acalanes remained disciplined after the break, limiting second-chance opportunities and preventing Las Lomas from finding any offensive rhythm over…
Tuesday night’s trip to Las Lomas had all the markings of a measuring-stick game for the Dons. The Knights were coming off an impressive win over Ygnacio Valley, they were at home, and they featured a dangerous weapon in Saba Pachulia, the hot-shooting son of former Warriors great Zaza Pachulia. If Las Lomas planned to ride Saba’s shooting to another…
Acalanes earned a 46–42 victory over Alameda on Saturday afternoon, leaning on their rebounding advantage, taking care of the ball, and balanced scoring to hold off a late push in the 2nd half by Alameda. The Dons played even with Alameda in the opening quarter, edging ahead 15–14 after one. Acalanes created separation in the second quarter, outscoring Alameda 17–6…