The Flying Tigers will hold basketball bragging rights for the foreseeable future, turning back a stubborn visiting El Molino squad in a hard-fought 52-41 victory in the second of two season meetings on Jan. 24.
The Lions pushed the home-standing Tigers to the brink with outstanding play on both ends of the floor, but in the end it was Analy’s patience and poise that would ultimately win the night.
“We were down one at the half and ten at the end of the third quarter,” Tigers coach Brett Pages said. “The interesting thing is I told them to relax and slow down and that every possession was important. It’s amazing when the team follows the plan and it works. It was a big win for us for sure.”
The Lions came out with focus and determination, taking it to the Tigers throughout the first three quarters.
“They out played us, giving more effort and hustle,” Page noted. “They were getting all the 50/50 balls and long rebounds.”
JJ Fain led the Flying Tigers with 19 points while other top Analy scorers included Quinn Vermeulen (12 points, 6 rebounds) and Avi Frey (9 points, 8 rebounds). Other key players for Analy were Luke Bertling, Quinn Whisman and Cason Roberts.
Although there were no official stats available for El Mo, top players included Curtis Lewis, Ricky Valedez and Sam Wilson-Mietz.
Scheduling notes
The Tigers (7-14, 4-3) will resume league action on Jan. 29 (after press time) against Healdsburg, followed by a Jan. 31 road trip to Piner. Analy will wrap up a busy week on Feb. 2 against visiting Sonoma Valley.
The Lions (3-17, 0-8) will host Elsie Allen on Jan. 29 and visit Healdsburg on Jan. 31. El Molino will entertain Piner on Feb. 2. Start times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
