It was both a high-energy, productive offensive first- and fourth-quarters for the Sonoma Valley High School varsity basketball boys in Friday night’s key Sonoma County League clash with Elsie Allen in Pfeiffer Gym.
Unfortunately, it also was a dismal and near-invisible offensive second- and third periods for the Dragons, who yielded 14-0 and 9-0 mid-game runs to Elsie Allen, which then opened the fourth quarter with an emphatic dunk and stinging trey to open up a 17-point lead.
Staying true to form with what has been their “MO” of late, the Sonoma boys came alive in the final period and answered with a 16-6 run, fueled by senior Cyle Caselli’s dozen points, to pull within seven points of catching the visiting Lobos.
But the desperate Dragons had to resort to the late-game take-your-chance-and-foul tactic keep their slim hopes alive and ended up dropping a 54-42 decision.
Pacing Sonoma were Caselli’s 22 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots; senior Ryan Wilbanks’ seven points, three rebounds and three assists; junior Edwin Reyes’ six points, three steals and two assists; senior Alex Gustafson’s four points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block; senior Tristan Mertens’ two points; and senior Ryan Fisher’s one point and six rebounds.
The Dragons travel to Sebastopol tomorrow night, Sept. 28, to face defending champion Analy, which beat them the league opener, before returning home to host SCL foe El Molino Friday evening, Jan. 30, in Pfeiffer Gym, with the freshmen starting at 4:30, the junior varsity playing at 6, and the varsity tipping off at 7:30 p.m.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: