The Sonoma Valley High Dragon cagers put together two good quarters against Healdsburg on Friday. Unfortunately, they also had two quarters where they were outscored 37-5 as the Greyhounds beat the Dragons 60-33 in the regular season finale.
Healdsburg started fast, running out to a 17-3 first-quarter lead as the Greyhounds hit three treys in the quarter – and eight altogether in the game.
“We obviously didn’t match their intensity or physicality. Plus, you can’t leave good shooters open,” said Dragon Coach Mike Boles.
Sonoma got things under control and played the Greyhounds to almost a draw in the second quarter.
“We did a better job settling down offensively,” Boles said. “It was good to see that.”
But the Greyhounds ran away with the game in the third quarter outscoring Sonoma 20-2.
“It was a really challenging quarter offensively and defensively,” Boles added.
The Dragons put together a good fourth quarter outscoring Healdsburg 17-11, but the damage was done.
“The bottom line is we can’t spot opponents a 14-point lead after the first quarter,” Boles said. “We didn’t respond well to their defensive physicality and they were able to get easy shot opportunities. There were some positives as we did find a way to battle back, although much too late. Also, players received valuable experience against a quality team. You can’t replace experience.”
Sophomore Jack Boydell, who had been called up to the varsity because of the rash of injuries, led the Dragons with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Senior Nazir Lyle had nine, sophomore Tyler Garrett had five, junior Dominic Tommasi had three, while senior Eric Bailey and sophomore Justin Cox had one.
The loss drops the Dragons to a 12-14 overall record and a 5-7 Sonoma County League record. The Dragons didn’t qualify for the SCL tourney going on this week, but are hoping for a North Coast Section bid next week.
“We hope for the opportunity to compete in the NCS,” Boles said.
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