The teams may occupy different basketball divisions in the newly aligned North Bay League, but the rivalry lives on in the hearts of Lions and Tigers.
That was the deal when Analy played host to El Molino last week in the annual Apple Game, now a non-league clash that still holds the same intensity for players and coaches.
The 2019 edition was perhaps the best in the series for more than a decade, as the Flying Tigers erased an 18-17 halftime deficit with a 17-8 third quarter run to emerge with a 56-47 victory.
“We had a tough time scoring in the first half, but the shots started falling in the second half,” Analy coach Jason Carpenter said. “I was proud of my boys for sticking with the game plan, playing tough defense and playing together as a team.”
Top scorers for the Tigers were JJ Fain (19 points), Quinn Vermeulen (14) and Sage Boek (12). Pacing the El Mo attack were Sam Wilson-Mietz (13), Chris Romeo (13) and Thomas Siegert (8).
For the Lions and first-year head varsity coach Collin Walker, there were plenty of positives to take away from a great night of basketball.
“I haven’t been around this rivalry for that long, but a lot of people told me that was one of the best Apple Games they’ve seen in a long time,” Walker said. “I love to hear things like that; it shows how much our guys have improved. They wanted to put on a fun, entertaining show, and that’s exactly what we did.”
League roundup
In other games last week, the Tigers resumed NBL Oak Division action at Santa Rosa, coming up just short in the fourth quarter as the Panthers hung on for a 50-44 win. Leading scorers were Vermuelen (11), Fain (11) and Nic Visser (8).
Analy wrapped up a busy stretch on Jan. 18 at Cardinal Newman, playing from behind from the first quarter en route to a 75-27 loss. Vermeulen led the Tigers with seven points.
The Tigers (0-4, 5-17) visit Piner on Jan. 23 (after press time) and host Windsor on Friday, Jan. 25 (7:30 p.m.).
Lions log win
The Lions played host to first-place Rancho Cotate on Jan. 21, a make-up date following a power outage at El Molino last week. It was well worth the wait as the Lions played their best all-around game of the season in pulling out a huge upset victory. El Mo clung to a 22-21 lead at the half but the Cougars reeled off a 21-8 third-quarter run for a comfortable 42-30 cushion after three. But the Lions would not be denied, finishing the game on a 27-12 surge to shock the visitors, 57-54.
Pacing the attack were Siegert (15), Romeo (10), Pat Atkinson (8), Wilson-Mietz (7) and Logan Woolsey (7).
The Lions (1-5, 8-11) will host Maria Carrillo on Senior Night on Jan. 23 and visit Ukiah on Jan. 25. Varsity tip-off is 7:30 p.m.
