BOYS’ BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2012-13
For a preview to the Eagles basketball season and a look at their scores so far, check out the Winter Sports Box Scores, 2012-2013, for dates, times, and all winter sports.
Also, please be sure to check out the Eagle’s schedule for the upcoming season at Max Preps. FC is currently 7-12 overall and 1-3 in the West Sequoia League as of Jan. 30. The Eagle’s next game will be Jan. 15, as they travel to Caruthers to take on the Caruthers Blue Raiders.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL SPORTS SHORTS, 2012-13
Eagles snatch first win of league against Fowler–43-33, Jan. 29
The Eagles traveled to Fowler High School to take on the Redcats, Jan. 29. FC’s previous game versus the Parlier High School Panthers was cancelled due to school saftey issues, so the Eagles had an entire week of rest and extra practice as they seeked their first win in West Sequoia League play. However, head coach Robert Hubbard was unable to make the game due to illness, so assistant coach Clifton Jackson stepped up and coached the Eagles
The game was low scoring throughout. Both teams came out strong defensively and took their time on offense; using the clock, taking their time to get off good shots. At the end of the first FC lead 6-4. In the second quarter teams continued their strong deffenses and forced tough shots. At half the score read FC 15, Fowler 11.
In the third, both teams found their shots. The tempo began to pick up as each team began the half with a strong offensive surge. Both teams scored more in the third quarter than they had scored the entire first half. At the end of the third, the Eagles were barley hanging on 32-29. In the fourth, the eagles matched their first half defense with their second half defense and came out stronger than ever; holding Fowler to only four points in the final quarter. In the end, Fresno Christian grabbed their first win in West Sequoia League and snapped a four game losing streak, winning 43-33.
The Eagles were lead by Caleb Nale, ’14, with 17 points, and Senior Matt Howard, ’13, with 14. The Redcats scoring was produced largely by Kamalpreet Hans with 15 and Mandinder Khalon with 10.
Coach Clifton Jackson, who stepped up and coached the Eagles, said it was not the coaching that won the game, it was the players.
“Winning is great.” Jackson said, “But for a head coach it means your players played hard for you. The players bought into a system and believed they could win and best of all believed in each other. I was really excited about this.”
Nale was relived to snatch the teams first win of the season. Nale saw the team come together while on the court, appreciating the unity of all the boys.
“Winning our first league game was a relief,” Nale said. “As a team we passed the ball more and we worked together as a team. Although we still need to cut down on turnovers, especially me.”
Jackson also expects some good competition as the boys enter the second half of West Sequoia League play.
“The second half [of the season] should come easy to us now,” Jackson said, “We’ve played the teams and we know what to expect. We must continue to get better in areas that we are weak in, continue to work as a team and believe in our coaching staff.”
The Eagles next game will be home as they host the visiting Caruthers Blue Raiders.
