Foothill Defeats Las Vegas In A Tight Battle 64-60

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the better teams in 4A squared off last night, as the Foothill Falcons hosted the previously undefeated Las Vegas Wildcats (3-0).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Foothill started off strong, with senior [player_tooltip player_id='2675178' first='Mudd' last='Comtois'] knocking down a pair of 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to help them jump out to an early lead. Falcon forward [player_tooltip player_id='2806932' first='Packer' last='Kelley'] was also operating in the paint and scored a couple of buckets in the first quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] got going for Las Vegas, as did [player_tooltip player_id='2468405' first='Amari' last='Hinds'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2327731' first='Jakhai' last='Jones']. The Wildcats were able to close the gap and took a one-point lead into the second quarter, 16–15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Foothill then turned it up in the second, as [player_tooltip player_id='2877334' first='Clinton' last='Ezugha'], [player_tooltip player_id='2819215' first='Anthony' last='Martinez'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'] all began to splash in shots. The Wildcats responded with aggressive drives to the rim and made several trips to the free-throw line, but were unable to capitalize. At halftime, Foothill held a 27–25 lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the third quarter, Foothill kept their foot on the gas, scoring 22 points. Many of them coming from 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2819215' first='Anthony' last='Martinez'], who caught fire from beyond the arc. Heading into the fourth, it was 49–41 Foothill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats continued to stay aggressive offensively, and Jones, Hinds, and [player_tooltip player_id='2471021' first='Jacory' last='Boyce'] all began to heat up. However, their comeback bid took a hit when [player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] fouled out with around five minutes left.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing Iverson, Las Vegas chipped away at the lead. With under a minute to play, the game tightened after Boyce picked off a pass with 15 seconds remaining and he took it all the way for a layup, cutting the deficit to one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinez was fouled with less than 10 seconds left and calmly sank both free throws to make it 62–59. With six seconds to go, the Falcons wisely sent Boyce to the line. He hit the first and intentionally missed the second to give his forwards a chance at securing the rebound. Foothill, however, came down with it, and [player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'] quickly pushed the ball ahead to [player_tooltip player_id='2877334' first='Clinton' last='Ezugha'], who sealed the win with a big slam dunk as time expired.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Score: Foothill 64, Las Vegas 60</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Notable Performers </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2877334"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c04f7093e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2877334' first='Clinton' last='Ezugha'] took a moment to find his rhythm. But he then started to assert himself a bit more and he took high percentage shots around the rim. He also broke loose for a dunk in the second quarter that gave the Falcons some juice. Then in the second half he continued to make shots in the paint and he had that dunk. Defensively, he caused a few turnovers. Including a timely steal near the end of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 14 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2819215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c88685c47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2819215' first='Anthony' last='Martinez'] brought a major spark off the bench for the Falcons, especially with his perimeter shooting. You could feel the energy in the gym shift the moment he checked in. And the game seemed to take a turn after he buried two triples in the third quarter. He capped off an impressive outing by knocking down clutch free throws late, showing poise when it mattered most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stats - 15 Points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2352170"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c04f70a2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'] did a lot of the stuff that doesn't show up on the stat sheet last night. He showed IQ and grit by tying up a number of 50/50 balls. He also took a late charge, which helped the Falcons put the game away. In addition to his scrappy play, he scored 5 straight points in the second quarter. By way of a take to the cup and a 3. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 6 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2675178"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c04f70ab0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Foothill marksmen contributed three triples in the hard fought win over Las Vegas. He does a nice job of getting clean looks and he made the defense pay. If he and Martinez can shoot light that consistently, they can be a tough team to keep pace with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stats - 9 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2806932"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c88685d15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was a big fan of how Kelley connected on shots early in the game for the Falcons. He put the pressure on the Las Vegas defenders, who couldn't quite contain him at time. He finished the game with 11 points and he was also collected rebounds regularly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1765906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69389f5b68278"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] was having a great game on the offensive end. He dropped in shots from downtown. While also utilizing height and craftiness in the paint to score inside. On defense, he had the difficult task of keeping the Foothill forwards in check. And while he held his own considering the size disadvantage. He ultimately fouled out, as mentioned above. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 14 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327731"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c04f70aec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2327731' first='Jakhai' last='Jones'] was a two-way playmaker for the Wildcats. Offensively, his burst allowed him to get downhill and draw frequent trips to the free-throw line, where he converted six attempts. Defensively, he brought consistent pressure and pushed through fatigue as he helped Las Vegas spark a near comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 14 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2468405"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c04f70b2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2468405' first='Amari' last='Hinds'] made an impact in multiple ways for Las Vegas. He battled for rebounds, defended with intensity, and stayed active on the offensive end. Knocking down corner threes and attacking the rim with confidence. Even though the Wildcats didn't come out on top, he competed until the very end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 15 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2471021"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6938c88685da3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2471021' first='Jacory' last='Boyce'] had a slow start scoring-wise. But in the second half, he locked back in and kept the defense on its heels throughout the fourth quarter. His ability to generate offense was a major reason the Wildcats kept it close, even though they ultimately came up just short. Expect Boyce to play a key role again as Las Vegas looks to beat Mojave this week in what should be a good matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats - 11 Points </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->