Dragon cagers look for consistency

Lose two games in weekend’s Alhambra Tourney|

The Sonoma Valley High Dragon cagers lost both games this weekend at the Alhambra tournament in Martinez.

Friday, they fell to Rodriguez (Fairfield), 54-37, while Saturday, they lost to Pinole Valley, 57-50.

The Dragons hung with Rodriguez in the first quarter, but then the Mustangs outscored Sonoma 35-16 in the second and third quarters.

“Rodriguez’ physicality and quickness was disruptive,” said Dragons Coach Mike Boles. “We came out and played great basketball in first six minutes and couldn’t sustain that for the remainder of the game. It was good to play a team with their quickness and toughness.”

Max Gustafson led the Dragons with 13 points and three assists. Dylan Samaniego had six points while Tyler Garrett and Riley Phelan had five points apiece. Garrett also had six rebounds.

“We had a difficult weekend, result wise, in the two- game tournament. While we did have positive stretches of minutes, we’re lacking consistency on both ends of the floor,” Boles said. “Defensively, we had been playing pretty well up until the second half of the game against Pinole Valley. We had communication and shooter recognition lapses and our opponent took full advantage of those lapses.”

Boles said the Dragons aren’t consistent enough on offense.

“On the offensive end, when we pass and cut crisply we get scoring opportunities and we look good. But, right now we aren’t consistent in our execution and we get ourselves into trouble and our opponents capitalize on our mistakes,” he continued. “All of our mistakes are identifiable and fixable. We look forward to fixing them.”

Saturday, the Dragons fell to Pinole Valley, 57-50, as Sonoma had three players in double figures – Gustafson and Phelan with 13 points each, and Samaniego had 11. Garrett chipped in with seven to go along with a team-leading 11 rebounds.

Sonoma led 16-12 after the first quarter but Pinole Valley tied it up at the half at 23-23. The game was tied at 41-41 going into the fourth quarter, but Pinole Valley put it away in the fourth quarter.

“This was a tough loss,” Boles said. “We had leads and opportunities to win this game. We strayed from doing what gave us the lead. Our consistency is an area we need to improve on. I’m confident we will and practice will help.”

The weekend losses gives the Dragons a 1-2 record.

Sonoma will be back in action tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 5, when they travel to Napa.

Thursday, the Dragons travel to DeAnza and then return home Saturday to host San Rafael.

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