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 14-1 overall and 1-0 in the West Sequoia League as of Jan. 17. According to Maxpreps.com, FC is ranked 4th in the state for D-V basketball.

The Eagles will continue the 2011-12 season with an away game against the Tranquillity Tigers, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL, 2011-12
EAGLES TRIUMPH OVER RIVERDALE, Jan. 17
FC faced the Riverdale Cowboys in their first game of the West Sequoia League, Jan. 17. Earlier in the season, the Eagles squeezed out a 1 point win over Riverdale in the Laton Mustangs Holiday Invitational. Rather than fearing the Cowboys, FC came out with intensity and played one of their best defensive games of the year. When all was said and done the Eagles came out on top, 59-25.

With 14 wins and 1 loss, the Eagles are currently ranked No. 1 in Division V by the Fresno Bee. As of Jan. 17, the Eagles have the best record of any FC boys? basketball team in over 15 years.

FC came out strong, winning the tip and converting a 3 point play in a matter of seconds. Senior Cooper Belmont gave the Eagles offensive momentum with 9 points in the first. However, it was FC?s stellar defense that helped them seal the victory. The Eagles played aggressive man-to-man defense, forcing turnovers and Cowboys travels throughout the first half.

Those who came off the bench succeeded in locking down their men from scoring. For the first time in years, the Eagles held a team to 0 points in the first quarter. Going into the second, FC led, 19-0.

Senior Ryan Neufeld defended offensive powerhouse Jesus Cabello, ?12. Cabello, who had previously scored 31 on FC, was held to 4 points the entire game. Neufeld, who finished with 10 points and 7 assists, says his team played selfless on defense.

“I felt like our team defense was pretty solid,” Neufeld said. “We all helped each other out in case one of us got beat on the play. We just need to keep up our intensity and not slack off.

The Eagles started the second quarter with the same fire they had in the first. They were able to execute in transition as well as in the half-court set. FC did, however, struggle to make their free-throws. Despite shooting less than 50% from the line, the Eagles continued to attack the hoop and draw fouls. They continued their tough defense and went into halftime with a 37-5 lead.

The Eagles knew the first few minutes of the third quarter would be the deciding minutes of the game. Rather than letting up, FC continued to play with intensity. They did, however, have a difficult time executing on offense. FC missed multiple lay-ups and turned the ball over a few times. Tyler Krigbaum, ’12, helped the Eagles stay on track with 4 points in the third. The Cowboys hit some shots to help lessen the point margin. Going into the fourth, FC was up, 53-17.

Head coach Josh Justin rested some of his starters in the fourth quarter. The Eagles struggled to get the offense going but they continued to play with passion and excitement. Riverdale found ways to the hoop and outscored the home team in the fourth. As the final buzzer rang, the scoreboard showed 59-25, FC.

Coach Justin believes his team did an awesome job locking down their opponents on defense.

“We played our best defense of the year,” Justin said. “We were able to hold them to so few points because of our defensive intensity. We also did a great job holding their leading scorer (who averages 23 points a game) to only 4 points.”

The Eagles will next travel to face the Tranquillity Tigers, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

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