BOYS’ BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2013-14
For a preview to the Eagles basketball season and a look at their scores so far, check out the Winter Sports Box Scores, 2013-2014, 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 ended the season currently 19-8 overall and 9-1 in the West Sequoia League as of Feb. 27. The Eagles played their final game this season, Feb. 27, as they traveled to play Bakersfield Christian.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2013-14
BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN ENDS EAGLES’ SEASON, Feb. 27
After defeating Liberty (Madera-Ranchos), 63-53, in the first round of the Central Section Division IV playoffs, the Fresno Christian Eagle basketball team had to hit the road to play Bakersfield Christian in the second round, losing 51-38.
Although both teams held a 19-7 overall record, Bakersfield boasted an impressive 15-game win streak, including a 12-0 record in the South Sequoia League. Thus a win for FC would not be easy to come by.
Bakersfield came out quickly and set the tone for the game. Using their size to their advantage, they were able to play solid interior defense and were able to get the ball inside to the post. FC meanwhile was not able to find their groove offensively as they had trouble breaking BC’s press and finding gaps in their zone. By the end of the first quarter FC trailed, 17-9.
In the second quarter, the FC began to play more physical and found ways to close out on Bakersfield’s shooters by switching to a zone. Despite their improved defense, the team still struggled offensively, struggling to get any presenece inside and unable to knock down three pointers. By halftime, the gap held constant at eight, 30-22.
The FC Nuthouse and cheer squad provided plenty of encouragement from the sidelines. They seemed to lift the visitors throughout the last part of the second quarter and throughout the third with intense cheers that echoed across the gym.
In the third, Fresno came out with improve intensity and tenacity. Slowly but surely, FC chipped away at the lead by getting stops on defense. Bakersfield only managed to score five points in the quarter as FC was able to take the lead, 36-35, going into the fourth.
However, in the fourth quarter, BC did not give another inch. By stepping up on defense, they were able to force turnovers and turn them into points. As a result, they held Fresno to only two points in the final quarter and were able to come away with the victory, 51-38. In the loss, FC scored the least amount of points they had scored all season.
Bakersfield was lead by their hot three-point shooter senior Ryan Roodzant, who scored 22. Fresno was lead by senior Brian Scott who dropped 15.
Bakersfield Christian was able to knock Fresno Christian out of their first ever Division IV playoff appearance. FC finished the year 19-8 overall. Meanwhile, Bakersfield Christian improved to 20-7 and moves on to play the No. 1 seed Washington Union, March 4, 7 p.m. The D-IV championship game will be on March 7 at Selland Arena at 8 p.m.
Knowing that their season has come to a close, head coach Robert Hubbard reflected on the past months with the team and says it has been one of the greatest coaching experiences he has ever had in his many years as a coach.
“I feel very lucky to have been a part of a great group of young men,” Hubbard said. “They worked extremely hard all year and were very fun to be around. We won 19 games as well as a share of the league championship. That is a great accomplishment. The hard work and dedication to the team is the legacy that our seniors are leaving behind. Our returning players will have to embrace that as we continue to grow into the future.”
Of those seniors, captain Caleb Nale says that it is sad to have to let go of the team, but would not have spent his last year any differently.
“This basketball season was very exciting and incredibly fun as we won our league and made it to the second round of the Division IV playoffs,” Nale said. “I’d have to say my favorite part of the season was getting to know my teammates and hanging out with them everyday. On a personal level, this season meant everything to me. I’ve committed eight years of my life being a basketball player and to spend my last two years with this group of guys representing Fresno Christian has been absolutely amazing! I will miss it tremendously.”
There were four seniors on this years team: Brian Scott, Caleb Nale, N’Gai Jones, and homeschooler Levi Browatzki.
Fresno Christian’s next step will be starting back up right where they started as they will seek another West Sequoia League title and another entrance into the Division IV playoff bracket, starting in the fall. Be sure to check out more than 60 photos of the game and the Eagle faithful in the Bakersfield game photo gallery.
For more information, check out Boys basketball sport shorts: Liberty (PODCAST) as the Eagles won their first D-IV playoff game.
