By Tracy Lam
Yesterday, our boys’ varsity basketball team played against the Huntington Beach Oilers in their first game since the death of Kobe Bryant and the 8 other passengers in the helicopter crash. In honor of the fallen legend, they began the game with a moment of silence and both teams held the ball for 24 seconds in honor of Bryant’s jersey number.
The first quarter began with a lay up from freshman Macarhy Morris. After multiple shots and lay ups the Barons gained a strong lead with a score of 12-2. Although the Oilers began to catch up in the second quarter, the Barons were able to hold on to their lead at the end of the second half.
In the second half, after a couple of fouls resulting in free throws for the opposing team, the Barons momentarily lost their lead with a score of 29-31, but junior Jeremiah Davis scored a shot, bringing the score to 31-30. In the rest of the half, the Barons fought to keep their lead. Davis and sophomore Roddie Anderson contributed multiple shots which gave them a strong lead with a score of 42-32.
In the last minute of the game, the Oilers attempted to regain control of the ball by intentionally fouling on the Barons, but junior Preston Amarillo scored both of his free throws, securing the win with a score of 47-37.
“We played well, but we didn’t execute as we should’ve. We did good on defense, being aggressive and communication, but we can improve on attacking the basket more,” said Davis.
