Boys’ basketball conquers Bay League championship
Kira Bretsky, Staff Writer
The boys’ basketball league season officially began on Jan. 18, starting off with a match against Culver City. After a tight back and forth game, Samo lost by eight points to Culver City, whose team ended last year’s season first place in the league.
The season opener was originally scheduled to take place on Jan. 4, but new COVID-19 protocols, as well as athlete absences, caused the game to be rescheduled 14 days later. It was evident that Samo used the extra time wisely; the players’ communication on the court was efficient and effective. Captain Gus Salem (’23) was confident in the team’s ability from the very start and looks to improve through upcoming seasons.
“We’ve shown a lot of potential, but also a ton of growth left to do,” Salem said.
Samo definitely showed potential this season, and proved their commitment in every game, bringing them to victory in the Bay League.
Though the team started the season with three losses, they made up for it with a five-win streak to finish their league season and continue to CIF Southern Section playoffs.
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, an animated crowd filled the stands of Samo’s North Gym to watch the Vikings compete with the Palos Verdes Sea Kings. Samo demolished the visitors in a 72-40 game, which brought the Vikings from sixth in the Bay League to fourth.
After a scoreless first two minutes, Paco Vandenbrook (’24) cut the tension and kicked off Samo’s triumphant win with a two-pointer from the paint. Samo ended the quarter 10 minutes later, scoring 23 points and allowing only six. Head Coach James Hecht was pleased with the team’s strong performance.
“I just felt the energy from everybody on the team. The intensity level was so high,” Hecht said.
With outstanding offensive contributions from Luis Espinoza (’22) and an entertaining dunk from AJ Economou (’23), the Vikings shut the first half of the game with a score of 45-20. The team then scored five points in the third quarter and gave up none.
On Monday, Jan. 31, the Vikings played Palos Verdes at home again to mark the start of the Bay League conference. It was the first game that allowed students to attend after the COVID-19 protocols, and the relaxed restrictions allowed an audience of supporters to cheer through the game.
The team finished off the rest of the competition with another game against Culver City, redeeming themselves this time and winning the Bay League Championship. The team was not phased by Culver City’s one point lead at halftime, and a final score of 67-57 sent them to the CIF Southern Section Playoffs.
Samo then won the first round of CIF elimination games against La Salle on Feb. 11, but the season ended after a loss to Calabasas with a 62-70 score.
Coach Hecht is beyond proud of the team and is looking forward to their future.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with them. I just want the team to get better, continue to grow – both individually and as a group. Our best basketball is ahead of us,” Hecht said.
Trey Hagerty (’22) flies through the air while shooting the ball in a game against La Salle on Feb. 11.