Boys’ basketball advances to next round of CCS

Srivinay+Irrinki+%2811%29+shoots+a+three-pointer+in+the+game+against+Carmel+High+School.+The+team+won+46-40.+

Alyssa Amick

Srivinay Irrinki (11) shoots a three-pointer in the game against Carmel High School. The team won 46-40.

For its first CCS game this year, the boys’ basketball team beat Carmel High School 46-40 to advance to the top eight in CCS.

Although the team was down by one point at the end of the first quarter, it had gained a lead by halftime that kept the eagles going through the second half.

“I’m really glad we got the win, but this definitely isn’t the best we could play,” team member Srivinay Irrinki (11). “We could play a lot better, and we’re going to pick it up, and we’re going all the way this year.”

Srivinay Irrinki was named the player of the game for his 19 points. Throughout the game he made 5 3-pointers.

Head Coach Butch Keller echoed similar sentiments about the team not playing up to its usual standard.

“We looked like we hadn’t played in a week, which we haven’t,” he said. “We didn’t play very well, but to win you’re always excited. I’m excited to get to the elite eight of CCS, and hopefully tomorrow we’ll practice hard and play better on Saturday.”

Despite a Thursday night game, many students came to cheer the boys on. Cheers of “I believe that we will win” echoed throughout the gymnasium towards the end of the fourth quarter when victory was in sight for the Eagles. Most students were enthusiastic about the win.

“I think it’s really nice because Harker often has this image of a weaker sports program, but it’s not as weak as people think, we’re actually pretty strong,” Naomi Molin (10) said.

Brandon Aguilar (11) was impressed by the spectator turn-out.

“I thought it was really great. The Harker community came out to support the team even though it’s a school night,” he said. “I know it’s tough, but people came out, and it’s great that our boys are moving on and representing the school in a positive manner.”

The school’s mascot even made an appearance rallying the crowd with wing flapping and dancing.

“I love the crowd. It was a real basketball crowd, and I appreciate everyone being here,” Keller said.

The next game, against Soquel High School, will take place at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz on Saturday.