Analy continues season in Nor Cal State Tournament next week
MORAGA – The Analy Flying Tigers had their hopes of a coveted North Coast Section Division 3 basketball title dashed in the tournament semifinals on March 1, falling to second seeded Campolindo, 68-53.
The loss snapped the Tigers’ 16-game win streak dating back to Dec. 30, extending their record to an impressive 25-6 on the year.
“We played hard and never gave up,” Tigers coach Brett Page said. “They (Campolindo) are very good defensively and we didn’t shoot well, but that was mostly because of their defense. I was happy with our effort but wish that each of our guys could have had their complete game in effect that night.”
Analy is now preparing for the final phase of the season in the CIF Nor Cal State Playoff Tournament, which begins next week. The seeding for the elite tourney will be announced Sunday, March 5 and games will start March 7.
“I think that we’ll fall in the middle of the pack,” Page said, referring to Analy’s Nor Cal seeding. “If they pick 16 teams we could be a 7 and maybe get a home game. With this team I know we’ll compete, and if we get hot we can score fast.”
Cougars’ defense keys win
The #3 seeded Tigers ran into arguably their strongest defensive opponent this season in the March 1 visit to #2 Campolindo, a factor that played a major role in the outcome.
The game started well enough for Analy, trading baskets with the Cougars in the opening period to trail 18-17. But Campo would combine great outside shooting (7 threes in first half) with outstanding defense (allowing 11 points in 2nd quarter) to throttle the Tigers for a 35-28 halftime lead. The Cougars maintained the advantage throughout the second half, opening up an 11-point cushion after three en route to an eventual 68-53 win.
Aidan Toner-Rodgers led the way with a team high 19 points, while Jordan Armstrong added 11 points for the Tigers.
