Written and Photographed by Tue Duong
The boys basketball team didn’t need a victory to advance in the Sunset League, but they proved dominance anyway, delivering a solid victory over Marina on February 7th, 60-51. This win solidified their lead in the league with 8 victories to 2 defeats.
Playing in front of parents, teachers, a vamped-up Loud Crowd with balloons and sticks with faces of senior basketball players on them, Josh Armstrong, Jackson Gatlin, Danny Chamaa, Mark Girgis, Kevin Mansouri, Priyesh Patel, Joey Petersen, and Tanner Trounce were celebrated tonight in front of a welcoming crowd and an arch of balloons.
Josh Armstrong pounded Marina’s inside defense, making two consecutive layups and a three pointer all in the first minute of the game. Armstrong also dished an assist to Jackson Gatlin for an alley-oop score at 4:47 in the first quarter. Establishing a strict defense early on in the game, the Vikings resorted to last second jumpers and three-point shots often. The first quarter ended in a double digit lead for the Barons, 20-9.
Substituting in bench players early was a good sign for Fountain Valley, and made for a well-rounded last game for the players. Mark Girgis was able to make 9 points this game, all in the first half. If closing the gap was the Viking’s goal during the first half, it obviously didn’t happen as the lead swelled, 35-14 Barons up.
Now, all the Barons had to worry about was holding on very tightly to their lead. The usual pick-and-roll regime continued to do wonders for our boys, but the Vikings were getting smart and sharp during the fourth quarter. With the lead back to 10, the Barons ended it with 61-51.
Josh Armstrong matched the number on his jersey: 24 points on the board. Joey Petersen and Mark Girgis also scored well with 11 and 9 points, respectively.
This officially closes a strong season for Baron Boys’ Basketball.
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