Trinity Dudley taking a quick breather during a game versus Vacaville Christian on Jan. 24, 2020. // Marcus D. Smith
By Marcus D. Smith– San Juan Spartans varsity girls are looking to figure out how to close out games on the right side of the win-loss column. They are 2-5 this season in games that went to overtime and/or were decided by five points or less .
At halftime against Vacaville Christian on Friday, Jan. 24, the Spartans found themselves down by two, 17-15.
There was highly an optimistic energy about the
Spartans despite the slight deficit. The girls came out in the second half as
jubilant as one could be, and it translated to the play on the floor.
They displayed great ball movement and were able to
fluidly run through their offense which led to outscoring the Falcons in the
third quarter, 16-7. Going into the fourth quarter they held a, 31-24, lead
over Vacaville Christian.
The Falcons would fight and claw their way back into
the game and with under five minutes to play in the game it was a one
possession game, 35-33, as San Juan held a slim lead.
After a crucial shooting foul was called on junior
guard, Paris Burney, Vacaville Christian was not able to tie the game, missing
both.
The next defensive possession, another crucial call went against Burney and the Spartans, except this time Vacaville Christian would tie the game at 35 apiece.
The ensuing offensive possession for San Juan, the
team was called for a traveling violation with a minute and 18 seconds left in
the game.
Vacaville Christian’s freshman point guard would make them pay by drilling a three pointer from the corner to put the Falcons up by three. The Spartans would look to answer, but late-game missed three point field goals from senior, Trinity Dudley and junior, Aaliyah Gary-Bassett would be the end of the game for San Juan High School.
The final, 38-35.
With this loss, the Spartans now currently sit at 1-4 in league so far at its halfway point. They will face Highlands High School at home on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
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Marcus D. Smith
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.
Cristian Angulo looks to make a pass during a game against Vacaville Christian on Jan. 24, 2020. // Marcus D. Smith
By Marcus D. Smith– Energetic to start the game is how you could describe the San Juan Spartans when they began their game against Vacaville Christian on January 24. It was a track meet out there as the boys played at a fast tempo all throughout the first quarter.
Through the first eight minutes, the Spartans led by
four, 19-15.
As the second quarter began, Vacaville Christian
struck quick with a 9-3 in the opening two minutes of the quarter. San Juan
would go on a cold streak, only scoring seven points in the second.
Vacaville Christian would go on to score 20 points in
the second quarter and took control of the game going into the break, 35-36.
In the third quarter, coming back from the break the Spartans brought back the same energy they had in the first. They cut the lead to two points, 45-43, going into the fourth quarter.
The Falcons answered in the fourth quarter with
back-to-back buckets and took momentum of the game. With 2:49 remaining in the
game, they were up by as many as 15 points, 64-49, before the Spartans tried to
make one last push.
It was a 10-point deficit with two minutes left after the junior guard, Matt Colter, was fouled going to the basket on a layup. Colter made the layup, and the free throw awarded after, 64-54.
Cristian Angulo and Matt Colter focus on the next play, while facing the Vacaville Christian Falcons on Jan. 24, 2020.
Sophomore guard, Nanik Tagore, cut the score to a
single-digit game after he connected for a deep three pointer with a minute and
20 seconds. It was 64-57.
The next possession was big as Colter went to the line
with 55.8 remaining, after getting fouled. He missed both free throws.
After the Spartans got a stop on defense, Tagore
stepped up and stepped back for a mid-range jump shot that cut the lead to
five, 64-59, with 30.8 seconds left in the game.
Vacaville Christian would go down on the opposite and
pass the pass to attempt to run the clock out. A flagrant foul was called on
Colter when he made contact with a Falcons player making a jump pass made with
17.7 seconds left. This gave them two free throws and the ball back,
practically sealing the deal.
Vacaville Christian would make both free throws, going up by seven. San Juan would lose by five, 66-61, after a last-second field goal was made with 1.5 seconds in the game.
At the midway point of league the Spartans are 2-3 and look forward to the second half as they face Highlands in their second meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Get more local sports coverage in The Sentinel’s new Sports-Only e-Edition coming out this Tuesday: subscribe here.
Marcus D. Smith
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.
Sophomore guard, Damian Robbins watching his man and ball looking to make a defensive play. // Marcus D. Smith
By Marcus D. Smith– Mesa Verde boys varsity basketball have had quite the tale of two seasons from non-conference play to league play. Here’s the latest in boys and girls basketball:
The boys are winners of three straight league games, and hold a four-game win streak overall, after defeating Woodland High School, 58-36, on Jan. 21. They initially came into this game looking to continue their win streak but after 16 minutes of play, the Mavericks found themselves down by two at the half, 20-18.
“We won a couple of games in a row…we cannot come out and play
the first quarter and walk through our offense, we have to run our offense, and
we just weren’t ready to play,” said Mesa Verde boys varsity head coach,
Anthony Watkins.
Like it’s been a tale of two seasons, it was a tale of two halves
on Tuesday. Mesa Verde opened the third quarter on a 20-0 run, as their defense
effectively ramped up after switching into a full court man-to-man press.
Mesa Verde sucked the life out of Woodland’s offense, as they
could not find a bucket from anywhere on the floor. The Mavericks forced missed
jump shots and layups. Every attempt from Woodland was either blocked or
thoroughly contested.
“We ran offense and we got up the court before they could set up their zone,” said Anthony Hodge, Mesa Verde High School boys varsity assistant head coach. “A lot of it was, ‘get out and go, get there before their zone sets up and run our offense.’ Don’t walk through the offense like we were doing in the first half, obviously that didn’t work.”
Woodland didn’t score in the third quarter until there were 3:15
remaining in the quarter. At that point, Mesa Verde had gained an 18-point
advantage, leading 40-22. They continued to impose their will throughout the
fourth quarter.
Mesa Verde looks to move on and take their win streak on the road
against Casa Roble High School. The Mavericks look to expand their consecutive
streak to five games. Casa Roble will be looking for their first win of league
(0-4) and the overall season (0-20).
“We [have to] work hard. We haven’t proved anything [yet]. We’re
not in the playoffs, we haven’t won the league, so we [have to] work hard. We
have to come out, execute, and work harder than the other team. We have to want
it more,” said Hodge.
The road game for Mesa Verde against Casa Roble is expected to
tip-off at 6:30pm.
“It’s definitely a trap game and we have to be ready on Friday,”
said Watkins. “If we come out and play the first half like we played this past
first half…we’re not going to be successful.”
Girls: After defeating Mira Loma on Jan. 17, the girls were looking for a pair of back-to-back Golden Empire League wins as they hosted Woodland High School on Jan. 21. The fight was tough in search of getting back to an even .500 record in league.
However, the tip-off began and the girls searched for an opening
basket to get the momentum rolling. Back-and-forth they fought, running up and
down the court but the Mavericks could not seem to find the bucket.
They were stifled by Woodland’s 2-2-1 zone full court trap that
forced early turnovers in the game. Whether in full court zone or a half court
trap, Woodland played the passing lanes to perfection. Those turnovers helped
them go on a 17-0 run for the entire first quarter, and would continue into the
second quarter.
“We worked on their press, we watched film on how to beat
Woodland’s press and it mainly just comes down to awareness and listening,”
said Mesa Verde girls varsity head coach, Mark Toscano.
The Mavericks struggled to even get a shot attempt at
the bucket. On multiple possessions the ball would enter the paint just to be
turned over, but mostly on entry passes to the post.
Woodland transitioned into a 1-2-2 half court zone
defensive set that packed the paint and neutralized Mesa Verde’s inside
presence.
The Mavericks didn’t score until 3:30 remaining in the
second quarter off of a miraculous, pull-up, off balance fade-away from the
three point line by Vanessa Flores. Flores finished with 12 points.
At the half, the Mavericks trailed, 22-7, and as they
opened the second half, they came out with more intensity and urgency as they
looked to mount a comeback.
In the third quarter, they showed life by outscoring
Woodland, 10-7, but they still trailed by a 12-point deficit going into the
final quarter of play, 29-17.
“We know we’re good enough…I told my girls ‘we know
we’re good enough to beat Woodland and we know that Woodland and Mesa are going
to be the two teams that battle for that third place spot to lock playoffs,”
said Toscano.
Mesa Verde struggled to take the lid off of the bucket
in the fourth quarter as they didn’t register a point until 3:29 remaining in
the fourth quarter, courtesy of a free throw sank by, senior guard, Christina
Vermillion.
Despite the efforts late in the game, the first-quarter deficit seemed to be too much to recover from as the Mavericks fell, 41-24.
Mesa Verde goes on the road to face Casa Roble who sit at (1-3) currently in the Golden Empire League standings, right now tied with the Mavericks. Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 8 p.m., according to MaxPreps.com
Marcus D. Smith
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.
By Marcus D. Smith– San Juan High School boys and girls varsity basketball teams each faced Golden Sierra on Tuesday and are preparing for home games this Friday against Vacaville Christian.
Boys: San Juan boys varsity boys basketball earned back-to-back wins defeating Rio Vista and Golden Sierra. The Spartans will be in action on Friday, Jan. 24, as they look to make it three straight, facing the Vacaville Christian Falcons.
They were sound on Tuesday, Jan. 21, when they paid a visit to Golden Sierra High School. They came into the Grizzlies gym and entered a dogfight. After the first quarter, the Spartans trailed by two, 13-11.
In the second quarter, adjustments were made but it was still a
battle and at the break the game was tied.
Speaking of adjustments, the Spartans did just that and they transitioned into the second half. They were held under 10 points in both the third and fourth quarter.
The Spartans outscored Golden Sierra in the second half, 31-11,
on their way to their third straight win. They move on to .500, (2-2), in
league play and will host Vacaville Christian on their home floor. The Falcons
enter the game with a (3-1) league record.
This is the first of two meetings between the schools. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Girls: Their varsity girls counterparts lost back-to-back games. They look to return back to their home floor and get back to their winning ways as they host Vacaville Christian on Friday, Jan. 24.
After their huge win against Linden on Jan. 14, they followed that performance with a close game against Rio Vista on Jan. 17. That game came down to the wire and was decided by two points, resulting in a loss for San Juan. The final score was 35-33.
Previously, when they faced Golden Sierra on the road on Jan. 21, they did not come with the same energy as the prior two games. They lost, 39-21, and look to collectively come together in preparation for their return home when they host Vacaville Christian.
The back-to-back losses gave them a (1-3) record on the season.
They currently sit at fourth place, just a game out of playoff contention, in
the Sierra Delta League standings.
Vacaville Christian comes into the game winless, (0-3), searching for their first of league. San Juan High School will tip-off against the Falcons at 6 p.m. this Friday.
Marcus D. Smith
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.
Coach Mark Toscano in the huddle making team adjustments with Mesa Verde Mavericks girls varsity. // Marcus D. Smith
By Marcus D. Smith– The Mavericks girls varsity team was coming off back-to-back losses to start Golden Empire League play and were hungry for their first win in league. When they faced Mira Loma High School at home on Jan. 17 they were out searching for blood.
From the opening tip, the girls were relentless with their
efforts as they opened the game on a 10-1 run, stifling their opponent. By the
end of the quarter, the Mavericks led, 17-5, and would continue to build on the
lead throughout the half. The score was 25-10 by half-time.
“I think the biggest thing was coming out with energy…our big
game plan was we’re going to come out were going to try to get a big lead as
quick as we can to really make a statement like ‘hey we’re here, don’t mess
with us,’” said Mesa Verde varsity head coach, Mark Toscano.
Mesa Verde received a lot of help from junior team leaders,
Maleena Ridore and Vanessa Flores. Each had 16 points to help balance the
scoring for the Mavericks. Ridore notched a double-double by adding 15 rebounds
to her stat line.
Defensively, they were sound. Through the first three quarters,
they did not allow them to score over 10 points. After the buzzer sounded, the
Mavericks celebrated their first victory while defending their home floor. The
final score in this game was 47 to 29.
“We’ve been working on our press. We knew this was a little bit of a slower team so we could press them and that really showed with pulling off to that 10-1 lead fast. That was mainly our game plan to start the game,” said Toscano.
Upcoming game The next game for the Mavericks will be Tuesday, Jan. 22, when they host Woodland High School on their home floor. Mesa Verde High School comes into the game with a 1-2 record, while Woodland is sitting at 2-1, fresh off of a 20-point win against Casa Roble, 49-29.
“We know right now we have to grab Mira Loma, Casa [Roble], and Woodland to give us a chance to grab that third place spot for playoffs. I have tape, we’ve watched film on Woodland,” said Toscano, looking forward to their next game against the Wolves.
The game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. This is the first of two meetings between the two schools. The next meeting will be on Feb. 7.
“We’re going to do everything to prepare Monday to go on and beat them. If we can grab that win, that’s going to be huge for us and it’ll definitely make a statement that we’re ready to go to playoffs,” said Toscano.
Marcus D. Smith
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.
Mesa Verde Mavericks all smiles as they hold a three-game win streak. // Marcus D. Smith
By Marcus D. Smith– Confidence continues to steer the Mavericks in the right direction, as they were coming off of back-to-back wins against Waterford High School, and a GEL league game against Dixon High School.
Looking for their third straight win, Mesa Verde High School was at home against Mira Loma High School on Jan. 17 and it was a tight battle for all four quarters. By the end of the first quarter, the Mavericks led by eight points, 20-12.
“We jumped out to a 15-point lead at one point, however they made
adjustments and got back into the game. We didn’t seal it until the end…hard
fought win and we look forward to playing them again,” said Mesa Verde boys
varsity assistant head coach, Anthony Hodge.
In the second quarter, things would begin to get tight as foul
trouble and turnovers would plague Mesa Verde. Despite Mira Loma’s second
quarter efforts, Mesa Verde still led by seven going into the locker room at
the break, 31-24.
Returning from the break at half-time, the Mavericks opened the
third quarter with a quick strike, going on a 6-0 run behind second chance
opportunities and points in the paint. Mesa Verde was able to gain an edge on
the rebound battle and it would serve as a key factor as the Mavericks would
enter the fourth quarter with only a five point lead, despite being outscored
in the third quarter, 11-9.
“That’s something we’ve been focusing on the last few days in
practice is being more physical and boxing out. We think we could’ve done a slightly
better job boxing out tonight,” said Hodge, regarding the play of his big men
and their rebounding. “We did win the battle on the boards and we did end up
winning the battle on the scoreboard, but it’s been a point of emphasis for
probably the last two weeks now; boxing out and not giving up second chance
points.”
With just about six minutes remaining in the game, Mesa Verde led
by seven points. They continued to trade baskets until later in the fourth
quarter. A seven point lead slowly turned into five, and with 1:17 remaining in
the game, Mira Loma makes a three point field goal to cut the lead to two
points.
They would even have a chance to tie the game at the free throw
line with 24.9 seconds remaining in the game, but the Matadors missed both attempts
from the charity stripe and would have to continue to foul for a chance to win.
After being fouled on back-to-back possessions, the Mavericks led by six, 54-48, and looked to wrap the game up. However, they would be assessed a technical foul when words were exchanged by the opposing players. Immediately after, they went to substitute one of their players and his original number was not listed on the official game bookkeeping, therefore resulting in another technical foul.
Mira Loma would only make three of the next four free throws, and
the score was, 54-51, with 0.3 seconds remaining in the game. The buzzer would
eventually sound and Mesa Verde extended their win streak to three games now,
behind a game-high 28 points from sophomore guard, Anthony Arguelles. Arguelles
scored 12 of the team’s 14 points in the fourth quarter to help lead the
Mavericks to a victory.
Their next game is against Woodland High School on Jan. 21, the game will be played at Mesa Verde High School.
Marcus D. Smith
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.
Team Captains: Senior Alejandra Perez and junior, Paris Burney. // Marcus D. Smith
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.”
Senior Guard Romeo Bryant head on a swivel looking for the on-ball screen. // Marcus D. Smith
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.
Marcus D. Smith
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.
Mavericks Sophomore Guard Anthony Arguelles going up for a tough layup over Pioneer Patriots defense. // Marcus D. Smith
By Marcus D. Smith– Mesa Verde boys varsity basketball players have been improving their game as of late and were heading into conference play with tons of confidence.
Throughout the first half of the Jan. 10 Friday night game, it was a tit-for-tat battle. As they went into the locker room, the Mavericks found themselves down by three points to the Pioneer Patriots, 22-19.
The second half effort coming into the third quarter was not as evident as the first two, as the Mavericks were outscored 16-8, in the third. They held an 11 point lead going into the fourth quarter.
For the first two minutes, it was looking as if Pioneer High
School would route Mesa Verde on their home floor and league-opener. With five
minutes remaining in the game, the Mavericks were down by as much as 17 points.
They defensively went back to what was working in the first half,
playing with effort. Sophomore guard, Anthony Arguelles, led the comeback and
was able to help the team get within five points, 47-42, with a minute and a
half left in the game.
“Anthony is the engine that drives the team, he’s a very special player,” said Mesa Verde Boys Varsity Assistant Coach Anthony Hodge. “You don’t see too many sophomores like him that are ranked number 20 in the state in scoring… he’s got a bright future with us. When he’s on, the whole team rallies.”
Arguelles finished the game with 18 points.
Momentum of the game delayed when a fistfight broke out in the bleachers between two Mesa Verde students. They were escorted out of the gym by school security and the athletic director.
Reasons for the fight are unknown, however the athletic director and vice principal confirmed the students will face suspensions on Monday.
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As the game resumed, the Mavericks ended the game allowing the
Patriots to go on a 9-0 run.
“I think the athletic director and the security at the school [did] a great job of getting that under control,” Coach Hodge said, referring to the fight. “It was a little bit of a distraction, but no way did it cost us the game.”
The Mavericks would recover from the loss on Saturday, Jan. 11, with a huge win against Waterford High School, 70-37. This was a non-league game for Mesa Verde.
The next league game will be Tuesday, when they travel to Dixon High School.
Girls Basketball Girls Varsity looked to come out and make a statement as they opened Golden Empire League play against Pioneer, coming off of a school record, eight wins in non-conference play.
Mesa Verde juniors Maleena Ridore and Vanessa Flores high-fiving after a foul call. // Marcus D. Smith
They were not able to carry the same energy in the first GEL game against the Patriots. The final score was 57-17, with a loss for Mesa Verde.
“Pioneer is a great program, they’re doing very well this season,” said Coach Mark Toscano ahead of the first game against Pioneer High School. “They won our league last season. Our girls know the caliber of players that Pioneer has.”
They will also go on the road, as they will play against Dixon High School on Tuesday, Jan. 14, tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
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Marcus D. Smith
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.
San Juan High School wrestling team, wearing new gear. From top, left to right, David Sferdian, Tyler Ciccone, Head Coach Andy Villegas, Jayden Duncan, Chance Phillips, Valentin Juarez, Assistant Coach Cory Bonincontri. Bottom row: Drew Hansen, Yana Linko, Carmen Saguilan, Nicolas Ciccone, Myliah Sauceda, Aubrey Edwards. Not pictured, Chris Carroll. // Image courtesy, Cory Bonincontri
By Marcus D. Smith– San Juan Spartan wrestling is officially back competing around the Northern California region consistently for the first time in over a decade. And for the first time since 2001, they have an opportunity to have a wrestler compete in state.
Last year, the team just competed in one tournament, whereas this season they will appear in five, a 500% increase.
Motivated by competitive students who want to develop their skills and gain an experience on life, San Juan High School wrestling coaches Andy Villegas and Cory Bonincontri were able to help rally the community and support the Spartan wrestling team.
For years though, the Spartans have struggled to get into tournaments and provide competition outside of exhibition matches.
“We don’t get any money for wrestling,” said Bonincontri. “We reached out in the community [and] really came together and we raised right under $4,000 in like eight days.”
Bonincontri is an alumni of San Juan High School, who has been coaching wrestling for seven years around the northern region, at both the high school and junior collegiate level. He was a former wrestler at San Juan High School from 1998-2001 and went on to compete at Sierra College where he was selected to first-team all conference in 2002 and 2003.
He was the last Spartan to represent San Juan High School in the state tournament in 2001. Now, with his expertise and giving back to his alma mater, San Juan High School not only has a competing team again, but also a chance to put some kids in the state tournament.
Villegas is also an alumni and former wrestler for San Juan High
School. He also coaches the varsity football program.
Through fundraisers within the community within Citrus Heights
area and on social media, San Juan will be able to afford to send their kids to
tournaments to compete in. What’s even more exciting for the Spartans is the
new team gear and apparel that was able to be purchased for the tournaments the
athletes will compete in.
“Last time San Juan has had new gear was ’99 when I was a sophomore,” said Bonincontri. “We have a bag of miscellaneous seam-lets from mid-90s to early 2000s that we put together.”
Wrestlers wearing medals earned at a Jan. 4 tournament. // Courtesy, Cory Bonincontri
The Spartans were able to compete over the weekend in the Vista Eagle Invitational, a tournament hosted by Vista Del Lago High School. San Juan traveled with three wrestlers to compete for the day, and all three would medal by placing top eight by the end of the day.
Freshman Drew Hansen finished in eighth place, cracking the top eight milestone. Fellow junior, Nicolas Ciccone, finished at sixth place overall. For Hansen and Ciccone, this is their first year as wrestlers competing on the team.
Another junior, Yana Linko, who is a second-year wrestler, would
end up placing fifth overall.
The Spartans look to continue their magical season and hopefully
spark a change that will create a buzz that will attract more students to come
out and become a participant of the wrestling team at San Juan High School.
For the school, this is just the start of something special. For now they want to focus on the moment they have in front of them and work their way toward something promising.
“I keep telling the kids, we live in the now. It’s not future trip. We have the state title, or the state tournament… if we’re not in the now we won’t get there,” said Bonincontri.
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Marcus D. Smith
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.
Wyatt Winalski from the charity stripe, sinking the free throw. // Marcus D. Smith
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Marcus D. Smith— For San Juan High School, the last game of 2019 against Foothill High School was one they’d like to put behind them as the varsity boys team gears up for league play in 2020, beginning Jan. 10.
It was simply a sluggish start from the beginning of the Dec. 30 game for San Juan. The holiday stretch proved to be too much time away from the court as the Spartans struggled to find a rhythm against the Mustangs.
This was one of those games that can easily go overlooked with the timing of it on the schedule. Some players still seemingly on a rush from Christmas, others looking forward to the New Year, while some players were battling a cold. The overall focus was not necessarily on basketball, and from pregame warm-ups to opening tip-off, you could notice the energy was not present.
“[E]ven before the game, just the way that we warmed up. I look at body language… I could honestly just see it right off the back,” said San Juan High School Varsity Head Coach Freddie Bryant. “So when you’re not doing the little things, you’re not going to come up with the big victory that you need at the end.”
By the end of the first quarter, the score was only 14-9, but a 24-point quarter from Foothill High School opened the gates for a lopsided boxscore. It didn’t help that the Spartans only manged to register seven team points in the second quarter.
They weren’t able to recover from that second quarter and would lose the game by a final score of 71-33, making them an overall 8-7 on the season. This game was the team’s first game since Dec. 21. The nine-day layoff was the Spartans’ the longest span without playing a game.
“You knew this was going to be hard, but I didn’t think it was going to be this bad,” said Bryant. “But we showed that we haven’t been at practice, guys have been sick. It’s just it hasn’t been a merry Christmas and a happy new year for us so far, as far as that goes.”
The second half was not much different than the first. They outscored 36-15 in the final 16 minutes of the game. Whether it was the anticipation of the new year, or simply that the game was the Monday after the holiday week.
“This is the hardest time of the year,” said Bryant. “I knew it coming in, you don’t want to schedule too many games during the break just for the simple fact, kids are gone, kids are out of town, and you know you want to respect the fact, the family and everything.”
With the year coming to an end, and the team can move on to focus
on their true task for the season, which is hopes to win a league championship.
He has the team motivated to succeed in all of their endeavors. They understand
what their potential is, as well as their limitations on their abilities.
“League is up for grabs this year, and if we don’t get it together then we’re going to find ourselves kind of in the middle of pack,” Bryant continued. “But hopefully we can get it together so we can, you know, be at the top of league the way that we need to.”
The Spartans will have several home games to rectify errors and get their rhythm back when they play Franklin (Stockton) on Jan. 3 and Cornerstone Christian on Jan. 8.
These will be the final two non-conference games of the season for San Juan High School with league play beginning on Jan. 10 when they go on the road against Highlands High School.
Marcus D. Smith
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.
