By Marcus D. Smith–
San Juan High School boys and girls basketball teams each had games on Tuesday and face upcoming games this Friday.
The girls’ Jan. 14 game was about as flawless as they’ve been — a pure example of the way you’d want your team to respond during your home-opener.
San Juan High School’s execution was unmatched for Linden, as they led the entire game on their way to a 55-25 victory against the Lions.
“[I’m] happy they played better. They had some nice passes in the first half, they were really spectacular,” said Spartans Girls Varsity Head Coach Amir Taheri. “I’m just happy to see that it wasn’t a struggle win. It was a real win.”
The play of the Spartans that night was just the response they needed from their 45-38 overtime loss on Jan. 10 against Highlands. They received help from their guard play, as they combined for 35 points.
Senior Alejandra Perez led the team in scoring with 18 points. Paris Burney, a junior, was right behind her with 17 points to add.
“We controlled the game…everyone played well, I was really proud,” said Taheri.
San Juan managed to increase the intensity in the third quarter when they held the Lions to two points. The Spartans outscored them that quarter, 18-2, and would keep fuel on the fire.
They look to keep that fire when they host Rio Vista (1-1) in another home game. Rio Vista is coming to San Juan (1-1) off of a loss against Golden Sierra, 40-35. San Juan will tip-off at 6 p.m. this Friday.
“Last time we played them, we won by two,” said Taheri, regarding Rio Vista. “We want to make sure we come out [and] really give our full effort and make some noise.”
San Juan Boys Varsity
The Spartans started the game on the wrong side of the scoreboard. With about four minutes left remaining in the first quarter, they were down 10-0 before they turned up the tempo and slowly climbed back in the game.
It turned out to be a neck-and-neck game as the Spartans battled all night long against the Linden Lions, which came down to fouls-for-free throws. In the end, the Spartans were not able to come away with the win, falling 82-79 to Linden.
“We put ourselves in a hole, missing layups, some key turnovers at the end hurt,” said Spartans Boys Varsity Head Coach Fred Bryant. “Our kids fight man, so I’m proud of them.”
One positive takeaway was the competitiveness that the Spartans showed throughout the game and their continued hustle all night. San Juan never led in the game, but fought, clawed, and scratched their way back throughout the game.
“We show a lot of resilience, but we backed ourselves into a corner,” said Bryant. “We put ourselves in a position where we had to fight and claw. Which shows you that we have fight.”
There will be a home game against Rio Vista on Friday for the Spartans. They will look to get their first win of league play. Tip-off will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Mesa Verde
Boys and girls are facing games this Friday against Mira Loma at Mesa Verde High School. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.
