PETALUMA, CA - An intense atmosphere in Petaluma’s hostile gym created an even more intense game, with Petaluma pulling away with a 71-59 win.
Petaluma (9-8, 3-1 SCL) turned it up defensively in the second quarter, coming up with five steals and forcing three more Sonoma turnovers. Trey Davis had five points on the quarter. Robbie Isetta also had five, hitting a three to push the Petaluma lead to 32-19 at the half.
Jack Anderson had six of his 23 points to open the game, with Devin Gottschall adding five points. Leading scorer Jack Boydell for Sonoma Valley (6-10, 1-2) had nine of the Dragons' 11 first-quarter points. With the Dragons down nine, he hit a three at the end of the period as Sonoma Valley cut the deficit to six points, trailing 17-11 after one.
“It was a fun atmosphere. Our home fans give us a boost, and we haven't lost at home this year,” Anderson said.
“We were able to do things better tonight, and we always play better on our home floor,” said Petaluma head coach Scott Behrs.
Petaluma opened the third period on a 8-2 run, with Anderson hitting a pair of buckets, including one from beyond the arc. After a missed free throw by the Dragons, Davis came down and hit a three to push the Petaluma lead to 40-25 with 4:31 to go in the quarter. After a foul was called against Davis going for a steal, Sonoma Valley’s Tyler Garrett shoved Davis to the ground, causing Gottschall to respond in what turned into a bench clearing brawl near mid-court.
“We are a really close team and I was protecting my teammate in that situation,” commented Gottschall.
Due to CIF rules, you cannot leave the bench during an altercation, so Teddy Critchett of Petaluma, and Luke Sandaydiego of Sonoma Valley were ejected from the game, and technical fouls were assessed to Davis for Petaluma, and Garrett of Sonoma Valley.
After a 15-minute delay, action on the court resumed, but the rough play wasn't done yet. After a ridiculous and-one by Anderson, a technical foul was issued to Trent Garrett of Sonoma Valley, and Anderson hit three of the four free throws assessed, and then Isetta hit another three as Petaluma pushed the lead to 19.
“The game was starting to get a little out of control, piled with frustration, which was probably what incited the brawl,” said Sonoma Valley head coach Mike Boles.
Boydell tried to keep the Dragons in the game, scoring 10 points in the final stanza, but it wasn't enough as Behrs could empty his bench. Boydell finished with a game high 28 points. George Tynes kept the energy in the building by hitting a pair of threes, his first of the season.
Petaluma will be without the services of Teddy Critchett as they will take on Analy in Sebastopol on Tuesday night.
Sonoma Valley will be without Luke Sandaydiego when they host the Tigers on Saturday night.
