FC gets a taste of Division I when they face off against the Clovis High Cougars on Dec. 14. This matchup is possible because of the Hoover Invitational Tournament at Hoover High School, Dec. 14-17.

The Eagles are looking great after knocking off a good Washington Union team, 68-59. A win against the Cougars will further propel them to get the top seed in the upcoming playoffs. 

The Eagles are ranked number one in DV, but since this is a DI opponent, a win would be huge for the school. This will show other schools in the Valley the Eagles can compete at a high level. It would be another leap for FC in an already very impressive year for FC sports.

The battle will be intense from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Like most bigger schools, the Cougars will try to bully the Eagles into submission. This school is known for its impressive football team, so expect strong and aggressive play from Cougars.

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The swiftness of the Eagles and ability to capitalize on fast breaks will gas the Cougars, keeping them down. If the Eagles do not have a good shooting percentage, they will lose the rebound battle since the Cougars are very tall compared to the Eagles. It will be near impossible for the boys to win. At halftime I predict the score, 25-20, Clovis high in the lead.

The Eagles are exceptional in the 3rd and this game will be no exception. They will win defensive and offensive possessions to take the lead going into the 4th quarter. Phillip Christopher’s, ‘17, streak of not fouling out will be in danger for FC. They will need his resilience to pull away as well as assists from Daniel Walker, ‘17,  and Matt Muniz, ‘17. At the end of the 3rd quarter the Eagles will be leading, 40-38.

The fourth quarter will be similar to the Washington Union game. Whoever can draw more fouls and convert their free throws will clinch the victory.

Anthony Martinez, ‘18, will need to have a good game as he is the Cougars most dynamic player. If the Eagles can lock him up and force other players to make plays the Eagles will capitalize with easy steals.

The Eagles struggle with holding leads in the fourth. The Cougars will frustrate and batter the Eagles from start to finish. In the end, the physicality of Clovis will outlast FC as they go on to win, 61-50. 

Read last week’s FC Insider: FC vs Washington Union