Lack of aggression, 18 turnovers mean narrow loss to Woodland Christian in first game

Kevin Huang
Junior Harkirat Lally makes a lay-up in the fourth quarter.

Playing without four of last year’s five starters, the boys’ basketball team was narrowly defeated by the Woodland Christian Cardinals, 58-60, on Nov. 28, in their first official game of the season.

Last year the Cavs defeated Woodland Christian, 75-35.

Seven of the players from last year’s roster are no longer playing for the Cavs.

These players either left the school, graduated or are currently playing soccer instead of basketball.

Junior Reggie Fan attributed the loss to turnovers, lack of defensive rebounds, poor communication on defense and missed free throws.

Junior Jake Longoria agreed with Fan, especially on turnovers.

“They went on runs because of our turnovers,” he said. “We’d have the game within four points, and then they’d be up by 16.

“We would have to fight to get it back down, and then we would lose it again.”

Kevin Huang
Junior Cole Johnson makes his way down the court to the Country Day basket.

There were around 18 turnovers, according to Longoria.

Junior Cole Johnson led the team with 30 points, followed by Fan with 15.

Senior Marcus Rehrman was the top scorer for the Cardinals with 30 points.  

“We let him get too many shots,” junior Bryce Longoria said.

Bryce added that the boys need to be more aggressive.

“Playing from behind the whole game is hard because even if you go on a run, the other team (can) hit one shot and most of your momentum is gone,” he said.

However, Fan said that the ball movement was especially good in the second half.

Kevin Huang
Junior Cole Johnson shoots as three Cardinals attempt to block him. Johnson led team scoring with 30 points.

“We did a good job not giving up because we were down 15 points at one point,” Bryce said.

The boys’ next game will be Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. against Lutheran High School at the Asian Sports Foundation (9040 High Tech Ct., Elk Grove).

To defeat Lutheran, the Cavs need to work on turning the ball over less, Fan said.

The Cavs scrimmaged against Forest Lake Christian on Nov. 21 and were defeated 52-66.

By Annya Dahmani

Print Friendly, PDF & Email