After falling in their first game of the Stokes Invitational Tournament in Kelseyville on Thursday, the Sonoma Valley High boy cagers bounced back and won both Friday and Saturday.
And freshman Jay Taylor was named to the All-Tournament team.
Saturday, the Dragons capped their weekend by beating Elsie Allen 49-45. The Lobos jumped out to a first quarter lead, but Sonoma came back and took a 24-15 halftime lead.
“We had a tough start falling behind 11-3, but the players, especially Dominic Tommasi, Clement Clerou, Nazir Lyle and Brendan Hogan came off the bench and triggered a 21-0 run to propel us to victory,” Dragon Coach Mike Boles said. “I can’t say enough how much energy our bench gave us. They played with such emotion and passion.”
Boles said he knew Elsie would make a run to get back in the game in the second half.
“We were able to withstand their run and executed late game situations very well. It was a nice way to finish the weekend,” he said.
Sonoma hung on and took a 49-45 win.
Junior Dylan Samaniego led the Dragons with 13 points, senior Luke Severson and junior Dominic Tommasi each had 10 and senior Colton Mertens had seven.
Friday, Sonoma beat Upper Lake 42-31.
The Dragons jumped out to an early lead and led 10-3 after the first quarter and upped the margin to 25-6 by halftime and cruised to an 11-point victory.
“We had good energy from the start on the defensive end and it translated into easy points,” Boles said. “That’s how we’re going to be successful moving forth.”
Taylor led the Dragon attack with 16 points and four steals, Severson had 10 points, four steals and 12 rebounds, Mertens had six points and Samaniego had five points and three assists.
Thursday, in the opening round, the Dragons lost to Clear Lake, 64-58.
Taylor led the Dragon attack with 19 points, Mertens had 15 while Severson had seven and Samaniego had five.
“We had some first quarter lapses that allowed Clear Lake to get good shots,” Boles said.
The 2-1 showing at the Stokes Tournament gives the Dragons a 2-2 overall mark. The Dragons have their home opener tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 6, when they host Rancho Cotate. Freshman at 4 p.m., JV at 5:30 and the varsity scheduled for 7 p.m. The Dragons then travel to San Rafael for a Thursday night game.
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