As the Eagles headed into the semi-final playoff game against No. 10 Strathmore nerves got into the FC players early on. The Eagles got down in the first half but with the help of rebounding and scoring from senior captain, Justin Houts, they were able to mount a comeback in the second half.

The FC boys took the win over the Spartans 51-43 clinching a spot in the Central Valley championship game at Selland Arena on March 4. The last time the Eagles made it to the championship was in 2012.

From the tip, the Spartans out shot and out played the Eagles. They got out to a quick start taking a 7-0 lead. At one point in the first half Strathmore led FC 29-14. The Eagles went into panic mode and quickly scored 6 straight points and went into the half behind 29-20. The Spartans leading scorer, Andrew Avalos, had 15 points at the half. The Eagles came out of the locker room firing.

Nick Leblanc, ’17, had a great second half scoring 11 points and making three three-pointers. The FC defense also stepped up in the second half allowing only 14 points. With about a minute left in the game, the Spartans had to resort to fouling the Eagle players. Houts’ 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals along with Leblanc’s with 14 points helped the Eagles claimed victory.

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Coach Jon Penberthy had confidence in the team and planned for them to play hard defense. Despite the Eagles’ slow start, Penberthy is excited for his team to have made it into the championship.

“Our strategy going into the game was to move the ball and play hard defense,” Penberthy said. “We started off very slow, it wasn’t till the 3rd quarter that we hit our stride. It is an awesome feeling to have reached Selland. It’s pretty amazing.”

The win against Strathmore was the only the 8th on the season for the Eagles. Going into playoffs the Eagles were the last place 14th seed. They have played every game on the road and have successfully executed their game plan.

On Friday, March 4, they will take on the No. 1 Broncs from Kern Valley in the division 5 Valley championship. The Broncs have made it to the championship game the past two years and have lost both times. Kern Valley is 20-2 on the year and beat Riverdale 65-57 to reach the championship, March 1.

To see the complete playoff bracket, click here.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @Phillip11499 and via email: Phillip Christopher