Junior varsity boys basketball conquers University Prep 58-36
Junior varsity boys basketball triumphed over University Preparatory Academy 58-36 in the Zhang Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Center Rishik Sehgal (10) won the opening tip-off for Harker, and guard Ethan Xu (9) scored the first points of the game with a layup. After a two-minute period of no scoring from either team, Harker surged ahead to an 8-2 lead after Rishik and guard Kayvion Cruz (10) shot precise layups and guard Eric Zhang (9) sank a few free throws.
After University Prep missed a three-pointer and committed a turnover, Eric added another layup. With four minutes remaining in the first quarter, both teams aggressively attacked the passing lanes, leading to turnovers on both ends. The Golden Eagles fought back to cut the deficit to 12-8 with a last-second layup.
“In the first half, we started off too slow, even though the opposing team was not the best.” Eric said. “In the future, we should warm up better.”
Opening the second quarter, Harker missed multiple jump shots and three-point attempts, leading to turnovers that allowed University Prep to take an 18-15 lead. A block by guard Joey Diffenderfer (10) helped Harker regain possession, and Eric capitalized with a successful jump shot.
Joey intercepted a University Prep pass, but the Eagles were denied at the rim in the resulting fast break. Neither team scored in the final two minutes of the quarter, and the score remained close at 19-20.
At the start of the second half, Eric lost control of the ball as he drove to the basket, but Rishik quickly recovered possession and finished with a layup. Harker’s 1-2-2 zone press defense disrupted University Prep’s passing rhythm, creating fast break opportunities off of deflections.
Fueled by the Golden Eagles’ defensive fouls and turnovers, the Eagles went on an 11-point run. Joey knocked down a corner three, and Harker entered the final quarter with a 41-30 lead.
“Our team was definitely better, and it’s great that we were able to pull through,” forward Mason Chang (9) said. “But for the first quarter and a little bit of the second quarter, our energy was down. I’m happy that we were able to come back with energy in the third quarter by playing our 1-2-2, and that’s when we were able to build up a good lead.”
In the fourth quarter, Joey and Eric combined to sink four consecutive three-pointers, extending the Eagles’ lead to 57-35. However, neither team found success attacking the paint. Midway through the quarter, the Eagles slowed their pace on offense to maximize ball possession time.
Their zone press defensive scheme continued to force University Prep to attempt tough jump shots that rimmed out. With one minute remaining, both teams each converted one free throw, and the game ended 58-36.
“Basketball is about building chemistry, building brotherhood, and goes on in life,” Head Coach Brian Gatchalian said. “I encourage the team to trust each other and respect each other.”
Junior varsity boys basketball currently holds a season record of 8-3 and will face Menlo School next in the Zhang Gymnasium on Tuesday.