High school hoops are underway for Analy and El Molino boys basketball teams, taking the court in earnest last week in a full slate of preseason games.
The defending league champion Flying Tigers had just one outing in abbreviated action, dropping a 75-43 decision to host American Canyon. Pacing the scoring attack for Analy were Avi Frey (11 points, 7 rebounds) and Quinn Vermuelen (11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists). Nic Visser also turned in a solid outing in his first varsity game.
“We played a good first half but gave up too many threes and committed too many turnovers,”
Tigers coach Brett Page reported. “We’re still gaining experience and many of the problems we’re having are things we can improve on.”
The Tigers (0-2) will open a busy stretch this week with a visit to San Marin on Dec. 5 (after press time) and games in the annual Red Brown Classic tourney at Drake on Dec. 7-9.
Lions compete at Sutter Home Invite
El Molino (1-3) traveled to St. Helena for the Sutter Home Invitational Tournament on Nov. 30-Dec. 2, winning one of three games played.
The Lions opened the tourney on Nov. 30 against SCL rival Piner, falling to the Prospectors, 63-37. Thomas Siegert led the offense with 10 points.
El Molino notched its first win of the season the following night, scoring a decisive 57-36 victory over Calistoga. Sam Wilson-Mietz and Ricky Valdez paced the attack with 22 and 14 points respectively.
The Lions squared off with John Swett in Saturday’s Consolation Championship game, playing on nearly even terms before the Warriors pulled away to post a hard fought win.
“Senior Ricky Valdez made the All-Tournament team, a well- deserved honor,” El Mo coach Jesse Heiny said. “Zach Hunt and Cassius Phillips played some great minutes, too, and everyone who played competed hard.”
The Lions will be back on the court in the Redwood Empire Invitational Basketball Tournament hosted by Healdsburg on Dec. 6-9.
