Eagles fall short in preseason game

After losing their perfect home record against Central Valley Christian, the Eagles looked to protect home court against Coalinga High School, Jan. 10. The Horned Toads came in with an overall record of, 8-6, and had won two straight games. The tough competition for the Eagles proved to be too much as the Horned Toads took the victory, 54-46.

Early on Coalinga was shooting well in the Eagles gym as they took an early, 7-2, lead. Due to poor free throw shooting, the Eagles struggled to stay in the game. After being down, 19-8, the Eagles picked up the offense late in the quarter and cut the lead to six points. For the majority of the second quarter, the teams were evenly matched. At halftime, the score was, 30-25, in favor of the Horned Toads.

Coming out of halftime the Eagles were energized on defense and hitting shots. They quickly erased the deficit and took the lead. Scores from Trevor Trevino, ’17, and Nick LeBlanc, ’17, energized the team heading into the fourth quarter. The third quarter was dominated by the Eagles as they held the Horned Toads to four points. At the start of the fourth quarter the Eagles were in the lead, 37-34.

The fourth quarter was a different story as the Horned Toads began to exploit the Eagles weaknesses. Through rebounding and efficient shooting, Coalinga took the lead back and sealed the victory. They outscored the Eagles, 20-9, in the final quarter of play. 

Yoshua Cruz, ’17, lead the way for Coalinga as he finished with a game high of 27 points shooting 60% from the three point line. LeBlanc was the main scorer for the Eagles as he had four three-pointers, finishing with 14 points. 

The Eagles are currently in Division V of the CIF Central Section. The team’s schedule is filled with teams from higher divisions so they are challenged prior to heading into league play. LeBlanc was impressed with his team’s ability to compete with a team in a higher division.

“We started off slow,” LeBlanc said. “I thought we did well as far as picking up the energy in the third and fourth quarter. We played a good team and were just weren’t able to close it out. Going forward I think the team is in a good place. We play teams like Coalinga that are in higher divisions to get us ready for league. I am confident in our ability to be successful for the rest of the season.”

The Eagles have a record of 6-11 on the season and have one more game before league play. FC boys basketball’s next game is away against Yosemite High School, Jan. 11. League play starts with a home game against Minarets High School, Jan. 13.

To read another winter sport short check out, FC boys soccer sport short: Coast Union

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