BOYS’ BASKETBALL SPORTS SHORTS, 2011-12
(Scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for boys’ basketball features.) For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Winter sport box scores, 2011-12 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.

Be sure to visit the 2011-12 boys’ basketball schedule, home page, roster page, or check out Maxpreps.com. The Eagles are currently 12-1 overall and 0-0 in the West Sequoia League as of Jan. 10. The Eagles will continue the 2011-12 season with an away game against the Stone Ridge Christian Knights at 7 p.m. Jan.13.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL, 2011-12
FC PULLS OFF OVERTIME VICTORY AGAINST FIREBAUGH, Jan.10.
It was a battle of the Eagles as FC traveled to face the Firebaugh Eagles, Jan. 10. The game proved to be a nail-biter which led to 4 minutes of overtime. FC came through in the clutch, defeating Firebaugh, 66-55.

Having lost to FC earlier in the season, Firebaugh was hungry for the victory. The first quarter went by quick as both team?s felt each other out. FC had a little trouble scoring against their opponent’s 1-1-3 zone defense. However, they managed to squeezed out a 14-12 lead at the end of the first.

FC picked up the pace in the second quarter by transitioning on offense. Though they missed many of their lay-ups, they were able to draw fouls and score from the free-throw line. Firebaugh racked up their points by finding openings in FC?s half court defense. FC executed their full-court press which resulted in steals and buckets in transition. The Eagles were beginning to find their flow as the quarter came to an end. As the teams headed into their locker-rooms the scoreboard showed 30-21, FC.

As the third quarter began, the Eagles were hoping to advance their lead and secure a solid victory. However, Firebaugh hit big shots and cut the lead in a matter of minutes. FC could not seem to convert on the offensive end. Firebaugh racked up their points by taking advantage of the height advantage down low. Senior big man Wyatt McBee led his team with 19 points. However, senior Ryan Neufeld proved to hold his own by scoring 14 points and pulling down 17 rebounds. At the end of the third Firebaugh led 39-37.

Senior Cooper Belmont once again led his team offensively with 17 points. He describes how it feels to win a close overtime game.

?It feels really good to win,? Belmont said. ?Overtime wins make you feel extra good about yourself because you work so much harder.?

This was the last time that the Eagles would see Firebaugh for the season. Belmont shares his thoughts on playing against Firebaugh.

?There?s something about Firebaugh that whenever we play them we have a chaotic game,? Belmont said. ?It wasn?t a pretty win but we?ll learn from it and know what we need to work on.?

The tension mounted as the fourth quarter began. The score went back and forth as both teams contested for the lead. Senior Brady Lee drew fouls by attacking the hoop. Lee, who finished with 10, hit both free-throws to give FC a 2 point lead with a minute left.

Firebaugh responded with a quick lay-up in transition. The Eagles scored once more and worked the ball around to take time off the clock. After a missed shot, the home team dribbled down and tied the game. FC once again worked time off the clock but failed to produce offensively. The score was tied as Firebaugh in-bounded the ball with 7 seconds to go. They found an open guard at the 3-point line who put up a shot. The ball clanked off the rim and the game was forced to extra minutes.

As overtime went underway FC played with renewed passion. Their sound play helped them garner a quick lead within a minute. FC continued to press Firebaugh in order to slow them down. Firebaugh scored a few points but they could never quite bridge the gap. When all was said and done, FC came out triumphant, 66-55.

Though FC struggled throughout the game, coach Josh Justin is glad his team executed when in counted.

?Tonight’s game against Firebaugh was a tough win for us,? Justin said. ?We missed lots of open shots and lay-ups throughout the game, but in the end we converted when it mattered. We waited until overtime to play our best basketball.?

Justin attributes his team?s defensive hustle as a key factor to the win.

?We did a great job getting open looks, we just struggled to convert in these opportunities,? Justin said. ?We still played solid defense at times, which helped us to get the win.?

The Eagles will next travel to face the Stone Ridge Christian Knights, Jan. 13.

For more information on the Eagles season, check out Boys? basketball sport shorts: Eagles outplay Stone Ridge.