On Wednesday, the boys basketball team opened up the 2023-2024 season with a 53-47 comeback victory over the Los Gatos Wildcats.
The Bears won the opening tip-off but came up empty-handed in their first few offensive possessions.
The first points came from sophomore guard Jacob Sutton when he sank two free throws after being fouled on his way to the basket.
Outstanding defensive performances by seniors Jack Anderson and Justin Moore held the Wildcats’ offense at bay. However, with just under four minutes left in the first quarter, both teams began trading three-pointers, bringing the score to 13-12 in favor of M-A.
Both teams continued to trade blows throughout the second quarter. Anderson continued to excel for the Bears both offensively and defensively and showed off his athleticism with a steal and dunk play with 3:21 left to go in the half.
M-A finished off the quarter with some notable defensive stops but found themselves trailing 25-23 at the half.
The Wildcats started the third quarter hot with numerous three-point shots. The Bears looked to gain traction with blocks from Moore and jump shots from Jonah Missan; however, their deficit continued to grow, reaching a high of nine points.
A three from Anderson as time expired in the third quarter brought the score to 41-35.
A three-point play by Moore kicked off the final quarter. The Bears’ defense was stingy, giving up just three points in the first five minutes of the quarter. Sophomore Jerry Williams and Anderson hit two clutch pull-up shots to cut the Wildcats lead to just five. Two consecutive three point plays by Moore then tied the game with 4:20 left to play.
Anderson’s spectacular night continued as he had yet another steal and dunk putting the Bears ahead by two. The Wildcats responded with a layup to tie the game. However, Sutton soon followed with a deep three to put the Bears ahead by three.
The Wildcats then fouled junior Trevor Cadigan in desperation after a turnover. Cadigan would make both free throws to ice the game and cement a Bears win.
When asked about the night, Anderson said, “It’s always good to start off the season with a win and get the nerves out of the way. It was a great environment and opponent.”
Sutton added that, “Students can expect the team to play hard and back down to no one this year.”
The team will return to the court this Thursday at 6 pm to take on the Westmoor Rams.
