LAFAYETTE, CA - Campolindo got off to a strong start and never looked back in a 73-55 win over Acalanes to start DAL-Foothill play on Friday. Acalanes had won its last three matchups with the Cougars, including in the Championship Game of the El Cerrito Tournament back in December.
“We were ultra-focused today, we were not happy we lost that game in the tournament, especially since we lost to [Acalanes] twice last season” said Campolindo coach Steven Dyer. “The guys really wanted to win this game and we were pretty strong.”
Carter Mahaney was the Cougars' top scorer with 25 points.
“There was a lot of grinding in practice and everyone was focused mentally for tonight,” Mahaney said.
The Cougars (12-4, 1-0) started out hot after a trio of layups from Mahaney, and a couple of nice shots from Kyle Davis and Jacob Monkarsh. Mahaney also hit a deep three-pointer as time expired in the first quarter. The Dons responded with two field goals by Ian Archer and a three-pointer by Ethan Fox.
Campolindo continued to surge, with a three-pointer from Davis and Jake Chan, and six points in the second quarter from David Ahazie. The Dons countered with four free throws from Ethan Fox a three-pointer from Archer, making the score 42-25 in favor of the visiting Cougars at the break.
Acalanes began to fight back in the fourth quarter when multi-sport standout Robby Rowell hit a pair of three-pointers and Gavin Shipp added six points, cutting the lead to 67-55 with about three minutes to play. However, Campolindo responded with four free throws and a two-pointer from Mahaney to pull away from the host Dons.
Acalanes (12-5, 0-1) was led by Archer and Rowell with 12 points each.
Next Friday, Campolindo hosts College Park, while Acalanes travels to Miramonte, as the road through the DAL-Foothill league gets tougher.
“We just have to prepare for every game as hard as we can.” Dyer said. “With this league, it's so challenging, and we have to take it one game at a time."
