Local high school basketball teams will wrap up the Sonoma County League schedule this week, with at least one local squad hoping to extend its season.
The defending SCL champion Analy Flying Tigers look to be on the bubble for North Coast Section playoff consideration after dropping two of their last three league games, bouncing back from losses to Healdsburg (62-51) and Piner (73-68) with a 43-38 win over Sonoma Valley.
At press time Analy (5-5, 8-16) will close out the regular season with road games at Petaluma (Feb. 7) and Elsie Allen (Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.).
“This is a big final week for us,” Tigers coach Brett Page said. “We need a couple of wins to make the playoffs. Right now it is one day and game at a time.”
Tigers notch win
Analy was focused and determined to snap a two-game skid when it took the court in Friday’s home clash with Sonoma Valley on Senior Night, using the added emotion as fuel against the Dragons.
“We opened the game solid with five seniors starting and playing great, getting an early lead in the quarter and ending the first half up by seven.” Page noted. “Our seniors did a great job all night, especially Zach Binsfeld, Cason Roberts , Brenden Medina and Quinn Whisman. Also making a contribution as seniors were Luke Bertling and Tony Siri.”
The Tigers maintained a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, holding off several Sonoma runs. With the outcome in the balance, JJ Fain, Quinn Whisman and Avi Frey knocked down clutch free throws in the final minute to secure a 43-38 victory.
Top scorers for the Tigers were Fain (14) and Binsfeld (8 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocked shots).
“The difference in this game was that we played great team defense,” Page noted. “It feels like we’re coming together as a team. We’ve been through a lot and hope it’s not too late to get into the playoffs.”
Lions hoping for strong finish
El Molino (4-19, 1-10) claimed one win in three outings, with the highlight of the week coming an impressive 75-60 win over visiting Elsie Allen on Jan. 29. The Lions finished the stretch with losses to Healdsburg (70-32) and Piner (68-47).
“We came out aggressive and with energy,” El Mo head coach Jesse Heiny said of the win over the Lobos. “Once we settled down on offense, we put together some good runs offensively.”
Pacing the attack against Elsie Allen were Ricky Valedez (25 points, 13 rebounds). Also playing well for the Lions were Sam Wilson-Mietz, Curtis Lewis, Wyatt Stringfellow, Chase Nicholls and Cassius Phillips.
