Facing three straight road games to open the Sonoma County League season, the Sonoma Valley High School varsity basketball boys stepped up to the challenge by riding to a triumphant trifecta.
After victories in Healdsburg and Petaluma, the Dragons got off to a dismal start in Forestville Tuesday night, mustering only 11 points in the first and second quarters combined, but still trailed El Molino by just three points at the half thanks to their defense.
Regrouping at the break, Sonoma managed to overcome its cold-shooting, out-of-sync first half by outscoring the Lions 18-14 and 12-7 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, en route to pulling out a 41-35 SCL win.
“It was not the prettiest of games, but we’ll take the win. We played better in the second half and were able to execute our plays at a better rate of consistency,” said Sonoma coach Dennis Housman.
Leading the visiting Dragon boys past El Molino were senior Jesse Summers’ 14 points, four rebounds and three assists; senior Vinny Albano’s eight points, five rebounds and five steals; junior Cyle Gusse’s five points and four rebounds; senior Jack Murphy’s four points, three rebounds and three assists; junior Tristan Mertens’ three points, six rebounds and two steals; senior Andy Chavez’s three points; junior Alex Gustafson’s two points and two assists; and junior Ryan Wilbanks’ two points.
The Dragons are home for three SCL games in Pfeiffer Gym, against Piner last night – results not available at presstime – and Elsie Allen and defending champion Analy on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Thursday, Jan. 23, respectively, with the freshmen starting at 4:30, the junior varsity at 6, and the varsity at 7:30 p.m.
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Sonoma’s jayvee hoops boys got back on the winning track with a 49-33 road rout of El Molino, led by sophomore Spencer McNairy’s 19 points, three rebounds and two steals; sophomore Travis Claeys’ six points and four rebounds; sophomore Kevin Hurtado’s six points and six rebounds; sophomore Edwin Reyes’ four points, four assists and four steals; sophomore Max Yankovich’s four points, four rebounds and two steals; sophomore Miles Pimentel’s four points, three steals and a block; sophomore Joe Peterson’s three points; sophomore Blake Nichols’ two points and three rebounds; and sophomore Austin Chapin’s one point.
The frosh Dragon boys dropped a 56-46 decision to El Molino, with Eric Bailey pacing the way with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds.
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