BOYS’ BASKETBALL SPORTS SHORTS, 2009-10, Part I–
The boys’ basketball sport shorts are divided into two parts. Go to the Boys’ basketball sport shorts, 2009-10, Part II, for games beginning in January 2010.
(Latest boys’ basketball shorts will be at the top of the section. Scroll down to check out past results. Tournament games do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for boys’ basketball features.)
Be sure to visit the 2009-10 boys’ basketball schedule and the Eagles’ home page or FC’s roster page, or check out Maxpreps.com. FC currently plays in the West Sequoia League.
TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY CLASSIC, Dec. 28-30
FC PROVES TOO TOUGH FOR TRI-CITY–Dec. 30
In the final game of both the Tri-City Christian Holiday Classic, FC downed host Tri-City Christian (Vista, CA), 78-55, Dec. 30. The Eagles finished the tournament, 2-2, which was good for 11th place out of the 16-team field.
Sophomore Jeremiah Brown delivered a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds as FC turned a close game into a second-half blowout. Freshman David Wells added 20 points, while senior Landon Martens finished with 10.
“We got good looks in the post today and Jerry and David finished around the rim,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “Whether it was off of out-of-bounds plays or in transition, we got post touches and went hard to the rim.”
FC got off to a fast start scoring 24 points in the first quarter. However, Tri-City came back with a second-quarter press that took FC out of their game and whittled their lead to 38-33 by halftime.
Defensive adjustments in the third quarter led to FC outscoring Tri-City 23-8 and icing the game by taking a 61-41 lead into the final quarter. FC held Tri-City leading scorer junior Joe Pichette to just 3 second half points, while limiting the rest of the team’s offense.
“In the beginning of the game it was close,” sophomore Cooper Belmont said. “But we really came out more intense in the second half and played more physical which led to a huge victory for our team.”
In the locker room after the game, Schultz told his team that everyone contributed to the win.
“This was a good way to end the tournament, playing a good team and playing well enough to blow them out,” Schultz said. “It was a team effort with some guys doing the scoring, others playing outstanding defense, and others just playing hard. I was proud of the entire team today.”
Brown was pleased with the team’s victory in the tournament’s final game.
“We won because we used the advantages we had,” Brown said. “We attacked the basket and played good defense. Overall I think we could have gone 3-4 in the tournament if we all played harder, but the trip was a great experience. I really got a chance to bond with my teammates.”
The Eagles will next host Sierra (Tollhouse) Jan. 5, 7 p.m.
KNIGHTS WEAR DOWN EAGLES–Dec. 29
Following a close first quarter, Kings Academy (Sunnyvale, CA) outraced FC in the second and pulled away for a 65-42 victory in the Tri-City Christian Holiday Classic, Dec. 29.
Sophomore center Jeremiah Brown led the Eagles with 20 points (80% from the free-throw line) and 13 rebounds, and senior forward Landon Martens had 11 points. FC shot only 12 of 46 (26%) on 2-point field goal attempts and 2 of 12 (17%) from beyond the 3-point arc.
“We kept fighting, but the shots just didn’t fall,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “When only four guys put up points for you after a game when you have five players in double figures, it’s going to be a tough game. Sometimes you have those games.”
Schultz was pleased with Brown’s improved free-throw shooting and will allow the Eagle’s center to attempt 3-pointer next season if he shoots 80% from the free-throw line this season.
“Jerry made a lot of things happen for himself, even though we failed to use our offense to feed him the ball. Seeing him shoot a high percentage from the free-throw line was huge for him as well. He needs to continue to shoot that way.”
Though FC cut the Kings Academy lead to ten with a minute left in the third quarter, the Eagles turned the ball over on both of their ensuing possessions and the Knights banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to take a 13-point lead into the fourth.
EAGLES BLOW OUT CHRISTIAN LIFE–Dec. 29
Four players reached double digits in scoring, and FC dropped Christian Life Academy, Escondido, CA), 77-47, in their second game of the Tri-City Christian Holiday Classic, Dec. 29.
Freshman David Wells went for 23 points, sophomore Chandler Vargas had 14, and senior Landon Martens and sophomore Jeremiah Brown added 10 apiece. Brown also led the team with 16 rebounds.
“David came out terribly aggressive in the second half (17 points in the third quarter),” head coach Chris Schultz said. “It was fun to watch him play at such a high level. Chandler was aggressive, making shots, distributing the ball and making things happen on the defensive end.”
FC lit it up from beyond the arc, making 8 of 14 (57%) 3-point attempts, while forcing 22 Christian Life turnovers.
“It felt good to get a win against them because we lost to them last year,” Brown said. “We played aggressively and and attacked the basket. I thought we played great in the second half.”
After the first quarter, FC held a narrow 18-15 advantage, which they lost in the second. Christian Life outscored them 22-14 to take a 37-32 lead into the locker room. With their first lead of the tournament, Christian Life held hopes of closing FC out in the second half.
But the Eagles would have none of that. FC pounded Christian Life 26-10 in the third quarter and 19-1 in the fourth to blowout their opponents by a full thirty points (their largest margin of victory so far this season).
“I really liked our effort,” Schultz said. “We played hard defensively, got out in transition, and everybody contributed. To have five players in double figures is a good sign for us.”
HAWK CLASSIC INVITATIONAL, Dec. 15-19
FIREBAUGH OUTPLAYS FC–Dec. 19
In the final game of the Hawk Classic, Firebaugh took advantage of FC on the offensive boards for a 60-55 victory, Dec. 19.
“I didn’t think we played a poor game tonight, it just seems that Firebaugh was just better,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “They hit a lot of tough shots, handled our pressure well and made some clutch free throws down the stretch. We didn’t give up and we had a chance to win in the end so I’m encouraged by that.”
Firebaugh took a 14-12 first quarter and a 33-21 lead into the half after nailing seven first-half three-pointers. Juniors Ricky Hurt and Rigo Hernandez drilled multiple shots from down-town to hinder the Eagles’ comeback attempts.
Led by senior point guard Saul Lopez, Firebaugh did not succumb to FC’s full-court pressure. Instead, utilizing their big men as passers, they got quality scoring opportunities.
FC had trouble scoring against their opponents’ 1-1-3 zone defense. Schultz says his team failed to get enough post touches on offense.
“In the first half their zone caused us problems because we didn’t use our bigs as passers,” Schultz said. “In the second half we expanded their zone, made some shots, but more than anything we got offensive rebound opportunities. That’s why its so important for us to get post touches each possession.”
After getting within seven points of the Firebaugh lead at the conclusion of the third quarter, FC cut the lead to just two points with 43 seconds remaining in regulation. But though they got senior Landon Martens a wide open look at a three, it would not go.
Firebaugh went on to seal the win by making three free-throws in final 35 seconds of the game. Despite the loss, FC outscored their opponents 20-9 in the final quarter.
Sophomore Jeremiah Brown led FC with 18 points and 15 rebounds (8 offensive), while Martens finished with 13 points. As a team, FC shot only 3-14 from the free-throw line and 6 of 23 (26%) from beyond the three-point arc.
“We’re learning every game,” Schultz said. “Sometimes I look out on the floor and see a freshman and three sophomores playing and recognize that we’re going to have some moments in a game where we play young or inexperienced. But each game provides these young guys a chance to understand what it takes to play at this level and we’re going to just keep getting better as the year continues.”
EAGLES DOWN BRONCOS IN TIGHT MATCH-UP–Dec. 18
After three quarters in their game against Dos Palos, FC was in a hole. Refusing to be denied, however, they battled in the fourth to secure a 66-63 victory, Dec. 18.
“This was an back and forth basketball game with a great deal of intensity and energy for an early season game,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “We were really forced to dig deep and come up with the plays to win the game. I liked that we matched their strength with our own toughness and willingness to battle for the victory.”
After being encouraged by his coach to shoot more, senior Landon Martens went off for a game-high 22 points, and paced the Eagle offense throughout the game. Sophomore Jeremiah Brown, who sat out last night with a sore knee, scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while freshman David Wells finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
“We challenged Landon in a meeting earlier in the day to be more aggressive,” Schultz said. “We need him to average at least 15 shots a game and he was far below that until now. Tonight he came out attacking and never let up. His play set the tone for everyone else and it showed in the attacks to the basket.”
The two teams matched each other point for point in both the first and second quarters (18-18 and 14-14) and when into the locker room dead even at 32 a piece. The Broncos then came out and outscored FC 13-12 in the third to take a slim 45-44 lead into the final quarter.
With an 6-0 run early in the quarter, the Eagles gained the advantage. In a timeout midway through the quarter, Schultz told his team to “put this one away right here.”
FC failed to do so, as Dos Palos got back within 3 points of the lead with 2 minutes to play. But they would not be denied the win. Strong offensive play from Brown down the stretch sealed the deal, and the Eagles improved to 4-3 overall.
Good rebounding (22 offensive boards) and limited turnovers (only 20) led to the win. The Eagles also converted their second-chance opportunities into 25 points forced 25 Bronco turnovers.
Sophomore point guard Brady Lee scored 5 points and led the team in assists with 7. He also had only 2 turnovers while handling the ball for the Eagles.
“Brady has really solidified our point position the past couple of games,” Schultz said. “He’s making great decisions, not trying to do too much and helping us get to a place where we can be successful.”
Lee says the team is starting to learn how to win the close games in the fourth quarter.
“I’ve been in many situations before where we have the lead in the last minute but lost,” Lee said. “In some of those we have lost because of a last second shot. This was a great game for us, and one of the first that I’ve played in that we’ve got a win.”
The Eagles will next play Firebaugh in the Hawk Classic, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.
FC DROPS CLOSE GAME TO MADERA SOUTH, DROPS TO 3-3–Dec. 17
After dominating FC on the boards, Madera South finished off a 45-36 win over the Eagles in the Hawk Classic, Dec. 17.
Senior Landon Martens led the way with 10 points and sophomore Chandler Vargas added 9 for the Eagles, who for the first time this season played without starting center Jeremiah Brown. Brown, still recovering from knee surgery, will sit out one to two games to give the knee some rest.
“Playing without Jeremiah was a difficult task for us because he provides so much on both ends of the floor,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “We need his scoring because it makes everyone else better and he has been cleaning up the glass which is something we didn’t do very well tonight.”
The Stallions slowed the Eagles attack with their press, creating scoring opportunities off steals. With their defensive intensity and rebounding ability, Madera South took a 26-14 lead into halftime.
FC rebounded better in the second half, and outscored the Stallions 13-7 in the third. Madera South, however proved to be the better team on this night, winning the fourth quarter 12-9 to seal the win.
Turnovers and lack of good shots severely hampered the Eagles according to Schultz.
“I was pleased that we competed despite being down a couple of guys,” Schultz said. “We slowed down the game, played at our pace and were in the game in the fourth quarter. In the end, we simply turned the ball over too many times and couldn’t connect on some of the good looks we had.”
FC will next look to get a win over Dos Palos who is coming off a loss to Firebaugh. The Eagles/Broncos contest will be FC’s third game of the Hawk Classic, Dec. 19.
?We?ve got two more games before break and we?ve got to come out and really look to finish this part of the season well,” Schultz said. “Our next two opponents will play hard and are well coached, so we?ll need a great effort and an ability to execute.?
EAGLES TOP HAWKS 57-42–Dec. 15
Behind a balanced offensive attack and steady defense, FC beat the host Liberty Madera-Ranchos, Hawks, 57-42, in the opening game of the Hawk Classic, Dec. 15.
“I was very pleased with our game,” senior Landon Martens said. “I felt that everyone on the team contributed to the win. It’s nice to see the younger guys improving after each game. We should have a very successful season this year.”
The Eagles improved won their third straight game to improve to 3-2 overall, while beating the Hawks (0-6) and head coach (former FC teacher/assistant coach) C.J. Haydock.
Martens led the team with 13 points, sophomore Jeremiah Brown had 12 points, freshman David Wells dropped 11, and sophomore Chandler Vargas contributed 10.
“Landon is starting to find his stroke and it’s good to see,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “We knew early on that he would struggle but the more we practice and the longer the season goes on, he’s going to be a real threat from the outside for us.”
The Eagles took control of the game early, outscoring Liberty 12-6 in the opening quarter and 18-14 in the second. FC alternated between three different defenses (man-to-man, 1-3-1 zone and 2-3 zone) confusing the Hawk players.
After turning the ball over 15 times in the first half, the Eagles handled the ball better in the second with only 2 turnovers. They also shot 51% from the field (18 of 35) due to Brown’s strong play inside.
Brown took advantage of the Hawks less-experienced inside players throughout the game. The Eagle center grabbed 12 rebounds while limiting the offensive play of Hawks leading scorer Jordean Chase.
Senior Tim Miller joined the team last week to provide some depth at the post position. The football wide-receiver’s role includes providing rest for Brown and Wells while serving as a force down low for FC.
“Tonight, I got more playing time in a basketball game than I ever have in my whole life,” Miller said. “It was fun, but I got winded surprisingly fast. This week I’m looking forward to getting more playing time and helping the team when I can.”
FC shut down Liberty’s perimeter players, while limiting Chase to a few offensive put-backs.
“It’s good to get three in a row,” Schultz said. “We’ve played well enough to win and we’re continuing to learn what it means to complete, play strong and give consistent effort each game. We’re looking forward to rest of the tournament and challenging for a championship.”
IMMANUEL HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL–Dec. 9-12
FC TURNS AROUND CLOSE GAME, BESTS PANTHERS–Dec. 12
After a back-and-forth first half, the Eagles ran away from the Parlier Panthers in the second for a 55-46 victory in the 5th place game of the Immanuel Holiday Invitational, Dec. 12. The win helped FC improve to 2-2 overall.
“Our seniors really led us tonight; especially defensively,” head coach Chris Schultz said. “(Seniors) Spencer (Lee) and Landon (Martens) played hard and aggressively. They grabbed rebounds and played with the kind of effort and strength that we’re going to need to be successful for this year.”
Taking advantage of the smaller Parlier squad, sophomore Jeremiah Brown dropped 21 points, dominating the paint for the second straight game. Brown currently leads the Eagles with an average of 18.8 points-per-game and 13.8 rebounds.
“Jerry had a monster tournament for us,” Schultz said. “and just keeps getting better each game. He’s realizing how to play at a varsity level and despite his age, he is making plays and being a difference maker for us.”
The Eagles’ 6’5″ freshman forward David Wells finished off his first varsity tournament with 13 points and 8 rebounds, while sophomore Cooper Belmont added 10 points.
“We played unselfishly and executed what we needed to in order to win,” Wells said. “We still need to work on our post-ups and entry passes. Once we get those things down, we will be able to use our height to our advantage.”
Despite being undersized compared to FC, the Panthers kept the game close with scrappy play throughout the opening half.
The Eagles outscored Parlier 14-12 in the first quarter, but their opponents refused to go down without a fight. The Panthers consistently drilled deep three against FC’s signature 1-3-1 zone defense, including a last second shot from the corner by junior Oscar Iniguez that tied the game 30-30 at the half.
After refocusing in the locker room, the Eagles came out and bull-rushed Parlier, outscoring them 16-5 to gain a lead they would never lose. The Panthers battle back winning the final quarter 11-9, but it would not be enough as the Eagles claimed their second consecutive win.
“The third quarter was huge for us,” Schultz said. “We forced the game to move quicker and it forced Parlier into some turnovers and rushed shots. We were able to rebound the ball, get out in transition and turn a slow game into a fast-paced one, which was to our advantage.”
FC is currently undefeated against West Sequoia League opponents at 2-0. On the flipside, Parlier, the defending league runner-up, remains winless at 0-4 overall.
“We grew up in four games,” Schultz said. “We knew the first two would be rough but that we would be committed to improving and being able to evaluate our play. Our youngsters played with more strength and poise, our newcomers showed considerable improvements and our seniors helped us understand the intensity and passion we need to compete this year. I’m very pleased with the results and we’ll keep working at improving and getting better.”
FC DEFEATS FOLWER, WINS FIRST GAME–Dec. 11
Behind a career game from sophomore center Jeremiah Brown, the Eagles cruised to their first win of the season, a 59-44 triumph over Fowler, in the Immanuel Holiday Tournament, Dec. 11.
Brown finished the game with 22 points and 21 rebounds to lead all players in both categories.
“I started to play like the old me again,” Brown said. “I wasn’t being passive or weak. I came out strong and was going into the other players and being aggressive.”
The first-year starting center also won “the chair” a defensive honor awarded to the player with the greatest combined number of rebounds, steals, blocks, tips, charges and hustle points.
“Jerry was an absolute beast tonight,” Schultz said. “He played strong and aggressive on both ends of the court. He went and got balls that were up in the air and was able to finish. I’m really proud of his effort.”
Senior Landon Martens and freshman David Well both scored 13 points to round out the Eagles top three scorers. Martens had several attacks to the basket and two three pointers, while Wells scored all his buckets inside the paint.
Head coach Chis Schultz got his first win over Fowler in his four-years as the Eagles’ skipper. The victory also marked the first time the boys’ basketball program has beaten the Redcats since Feb. 7, 2006.
“We came out and played really hard tonight,” Schultz said. “We needed to play well and give great effort, and we did that which was the difference in the game. Our 1-3-1 defense really kept them off balance and they were never able to get in a real rhythm offensively. We didn’t always execute, but it was enough to slow them down.”
BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN PREVAILS OVER EAGLES–Dec. 10
In their second straight game against a top team in the Immanuel Holiday Invitational, the Eagles lost 79-59 to defending Division IV Valley champion, Bakersfield Christian, Dec. 10.
Freshman David Wells had 19 points for FC, and sophomore Jeremiah Brown collected 14 rebounds. For BC, junior Jordan Kingley scored a game-high 20 points, and sophomore Tyler Harris added 11.
“David really responded in the second half after a passive first half,” Schultz said. “He was more physical and aggressive, going after people at the block and on the perimeter. He’s growing up quickly and it’s fun to watch.”
FC got off to a poor offensive start, as their opponents jumped out to an early 19-5 first quarter lead. With his 6’3″ frame, Harris proved to be a match-up problem on the perimeter for the Eagles.
The second quarter was all BC, as they outscored FC 25-16. Several steals led to uncontested fast-break lay-ups as they pulled away from the Eagles. At the half, BC held a 44-21 advantage.
After the break, BC forced Eagle turnovers by getting in the passing lanes and also implementing an effective semi-full-court press midway through the third quarter. They pumped out 18 points to FC’s 11, and their lead rocketed to 62-32.
In the fourth, FC’s outscored BC’s reserves 27-17, but it would not be enough as they lost their second consecutive game by 20 points. The win moved BC to 2-0 overall, while FC dropped to 0-2.
“We knew these first two games were going to be challenging, playing quality programs with outstanding players,” Schultz said. “We didn’t match up and play very well and that’s disappointing. But we’ll learn from this, get better and remember these games as simply starting points for this season.”
The Eagles will next play Fowler in the Immanuel Holiday Invitational, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
SEASONED IMMANUEL TEAM HANDS FC OPENING LOSS–Dec. 9
In FC’s opening game of the 2009-’10 season and the Immanuel Holiday Invitational, it was a older more experienced Immanuel High (Reedley) squad that bested the Eagles 67-45, Dec. 9.
Immanuel forced the Eagles into 32 turnovers while grabbing 23 offensive rebounds (which they converted for 24 points).
Sophomore center Jeremiah Brown led FC with 15 points and 12 rebounds. With a clear height advantage, Immanuel dominated the boards and also caused multiple mismatches for FC.
Brown says his journey back from tearing his ACL last January has been a rough one.
“I went to physical therapy for about eight months to rehab my knee and get my body back in shape,” Brown said. “When I first came back to the basketball team, I was in zero shape. Now I’m starting to get in basketball shape, and being able to complete the basketball workouts. Coach Schultz has been giving me the push I need to make it through.”
Head coach Chris Schultz says his team failed to do all the “little things” that lead to victories.
“We’re a very young and inexperienced varsity basketball team,” Schultz said. “The stats speak for themselves. You have to take care of them all, you have to box out and secure rebounds, and you have to convert opportunities at the free throw line. We didn’t do any of those and the scoreboard reflected that.”
After quickly falling behind 6-0 to start the game, FC bounced back using a second-quarter rally to tie the game at 20-20 two minutes into the quarter. However, Immanuel went on a 17-4 run to close the first and take a 37-24 lead into the half.
Immanuel cemented their lead in the third quarter by outscoring FC 15-6. The teams went on to score 15 points a piece in the final quarter.
FC missed many scoring opportunities making only 17 of 38 shots from the free throw line. With the win, Immanuel improved to 2-1 overall, while FC moved to 0-1.
“These games are to evaluate where we are at this point in the season,” Schultz said. “We understand we have to protect the ball and be more aggressive defensively. We’ll be up and ready to play tomorrow night.”
The Eagle will next play Bakersfield Christian in the Immanuel Holiday Invitational, Dec. 10.
YOUNG TEAM ANTICIPATES OPENER
The Eagles will open their season against Immanuel High (Reedley), in the Immanuel Holiday Tournament, Dec. 9.
Though the team is relatively young this year (four seniors, 1 junior and 4 sophomores), the team is deep talent-wise, according to four-year head coach Chris Schultz.
Follow the team season-long in the sport shorts or check out games scores in the Winter sport box scores, 2009-10.
