Samo rules third round CIF, quarterfinals vs. Mission Hills

Francesca BillingtonStaff WriterSamo boys’ basketball defeated Mission Hills High School in the third round of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the quarterfinals, 51-33 on Tuesday, March, 12.According to guard David Sandoval (’13), the team entered the game with a mindset to win.“We just wanted the game really badly,” Sandoval said. “The fact that for the 12 seniors on the team it was our last home game ever, [helped us] come out with the highest intensity.”Samo led the entire game, leaving half time dominating 41-31. They continued to thrive, and won the game 51-33.According to forward Jordan Mathews ('13), the fans encouraged the team to persevere through the game.“The atmosphere was great,” Mathews said. “I think we fed off the crowd and were able to play off the energy they provided.”The team worked well together and should continue to be successful, according to forward Erron Vaughn.“We were all clicking on both defense and offense which got us the win,” Vaughn said. “If we keep playing how we played tonight we shouldn't lose [on Saturday].”Similarly, Mathews believes that the team did well and will continue to grow.“There is always room to improve but I think we battled and played well,” Mathews said.The Vikings will play against Loyola High School at a neutral site, Ontario, Calif., on Saturday, March 16 at 4 p.m.A rooter bus driving students to Ontario will be offered for students.fbillington@thesamohi.com