AWHS boys Junior Varsity basketball faced off against San Marin High School on Thursday, Jan. 20. AWHS went into the game with a 13-5 total record, and a 5-3 record in league play. After a tough loss against Redwood High School, the boys rattled off two straight wins, and were looking to extend their winning streak against San Marin.

In the first quarter of the game, San Marin full court pressed the Falcons, who struggled to break the press. AWHS was unable to get any open shots, and repeatedly turned the ball over. The Falcons played astute defense, preventing the Mustangs from gaining a commanding lead. 

The Falcons were unable to make any major adjustments in the second quarter, and still struggled to find open shots. Luckily, San Marin couldn’t make any open jump shots or layups. The Mustangs had the advantage heading into the halftime break, 25-18.

“We did not play well in that first half,” said sophomore forward Hudson Lofrano. “We turned the ball over too many times in key situations, and could not get rebounds.”

Coach Weldon Miller made some adjustments at the halftime break, including bringing on sophomore guard Julian Nichol for an extended run of play. This substitution helped the Falcons gain a better control of the game offensively. AWHS had open shots, and Julian made three 3-point jump shots in the second half.

“We got Julian back today, who got five offensive rebounds, and his energy was really helpful for the team,” Coach Miller said. 

Over the course of the second half, the Falcons chipped away at the Mustangs’ lead, and got the lead with four minutes left in the game. 

With two minutes left in the game, AWHS extended their lead to seven points. San Marin quickly responded by going on an 8-0 run to take a one-point lead with 42.7 seconds left in the game. San Marin knocked down clutch free throws, and the game ended with a final score of 55-51 in favor of San Marin.

“We have one of the most talented teams in the league, but we do not have that grit,” Coach Miller said. “I think one thing we need to work on is playing with that effort, especially in those late moments.”

AWHS faces off against Terra Linda High School on Saturday, Jan. 22. Earlier in the season the Falcons defeated the Trojans 57-46, and they hope to replicate that victorious performance on Saturday.