NAPA, CA - In the boys matchup, Justin-Siena led from the start to finish to cruise to a 56-35 win over Napa.
At the end of first quarter the visiting Indians (5-8) only found themselves down 16-7, but that quickly got worse as they were down 29-16 at the half.
“Their zone, just really took us out of rhythm, and we worked on some different things the last two days to attack it, but we weren’t able to execute really any of it, and Justin played great, they were more prepared, we were out coached, we were out maaned, we were out hustled, and they took it to us,” Napa coach Zack Cook said of the loss.
“The boys have been putting out these types of performances all year,” Justin-Siena first-year coach Jason Rockwell explained of the effort his team had. “The biggest thing is we just haven’t been able to finish the game, I’m glad to see the boys up for a big game with the big competition, but I was more impressed with the way they were able to finish the game. That was a good team in Napa, and we were able to do more stuff, and execute the way we wanted to.”
The Braves (4-4) got big efforts on the night from two of their younger players.. Sophomore guard Liam McDevitt had 14 points, with two rebounds -- Cole Cummings added nine points, while bringing down nine rebounds. Barrett Donohoe added eight points.
“Our backcourt’s been playing strong all year, they’re both young, but they’re both returning players from last year’s varsity team, who got some good experience last year with coach Damany Hendrix,” Rockwell said of McDevitt, and Donohoe. “I’m fortunate enough to have a couple of returning guards who can kinda guide the younger kids as well. We have about three freshmen on the team, and although Liam’s a sophomore he plays a little bit older than he is, and I was extremely impressed with the way they’ve been leading all year long.”
Napa was led by Mitch Hippauf who had 11 points, with four rebounds -- Joe Carnazole added seven points with six rebounds, Stephen Blume also added six points with two rebounds. Freshman Brock Bowers also added five points with eight rebounds.
Like in the girls game both coaches are very much looking forward to next school year when both teams are in the same league.
“Yeah for sure,” Cook added on the chance to play Justin-Siena in league play come next season. “Playing anyone in town two games, and now being a league team it’ll be really fun.”
“All the games are fun,” Rockwell said happily. “I’m not the one playing it, so I’m enjoying every moment of it, but of course when it comes to league it means a little bit more, but for these boys we’re taking it one game at a time. It just so happened to be Napa today, and we were able to come out on top.”
Napa will next host Mt. Diablo-Concord Tuesday at 7 P.M., as for Justin-Siena they’ll travel to Concord to face Ygnacio Valley at 7 P.M. on Saturday.
