Varsity Boys’ Basketball Wins a Nail-Biter vs. Cedar Ridge 36-35
After winning their previous game, the varsity boys’ basketball team carried momentum into this showdown against the Cedar Ridge Raiders on Friday, Jan 27 and won 36-35.
The game started with the Raiders making a 2-pointer, but the Warriors quickly took the lead with a free throw and point guard Brandon Parks ’20 scoring a 2-pointer. Small forward Zach Engels ’22 followed with a 3-pointer, solidifying their lead at 7-2. The period ended with center Christian Robinson ’20 stealing the ball and running it down to make a 2-pointer.
“We were a little rough on offense, we couldn’t shoot very well so we had to focus on defense and prioritize at the end of the game in order to win,” Parks said.
The second period began with a few failed attempts at shots but center Carson King ’22 made a 2-pointer. That was followed by more from guard Luca Cipleu ’21 and Robinson. The Warriors finished the first half with a score of 25-20, but the Raiders struck back and took the lead in the third period bringing the score to 31-27.
Cedar Ridge kept the lead for most of the last period but the Warriors didn’t give up. SG Santi Campos ’20 scored a 2-pointer followed by Parks intercepting the ball to make one as well. In the last seconds of the game, it seemed the Warriors were going to lose 35-34 but the Raiders fouled so Engels was given a chance at two free throws. Engels made both free throws and won the game 36-35 at the last moment.
“Going up to the free throw line, I felt like I was in my backyard again. Growing up I’d always put myself in those scenarios so it was cool to see it come into reality,” Engels said.
The team will take on the Vista Ridge Vipers next on Friday, Jan. 24 at Vista Ridge.
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