The Palo Alto High School boys’ basketball team (8-5, 2-0) cruises through a 65-45 victory over visiting Los Altos High School (5-9, 1-1) tonight, continuing its strong start in league play.
“Everybody is coming together and really getting to know each other,” guard Davante Adams (‘11) said. “We’re playing some good basketball.”
The Vikings’ cohesive team play and stiff defense stifled Los Altos, keeping the Eagles from gaining momentum throughout the game. Repeated substitutions kept the Paly squad fresh, and its fast paced offense evenly distributed the scoring, preventing Los Altos from locking down on specific Viking scoring threats.
“They overwhelmed us with their athleticism and quickness,” Los Altos center Simon Rosenbaum (‘12) said. “We were thrown out of our rhythm and it was hard to bounce back.”
The Eagles jumped out to an early lead behind the physical Rosenbaum, but fell behind after the first quarter ended, 13-9. Following the break, the Vikings broke it open. Led by guard Mathias Schmutz (‘13), who contributed nine points behind two three-pointers, including a four-point play, Paly outscored Los Altos 23-7 in the second quarter.
Looking to turn things around in the second half, the Eagles proceeded to a backcourt press against the Paly offense, forcing a few turnovers, which all led to easy scores. However, the Vikings deciphered the defensive scheme, creating scoring opportunities of their own.
“We wanted to come in here and play with good energy,” Paly point guard Alec Wong (‘12) said. “If we run, no one can run with us.”
Entering the fourth quarter with a 49-30 lead, all the wind was in the Vikings’ sails. Paly guards Bill Gray (‘11) and Israel Hakim (‘12) powered their squad through the final quarter, putting up five and six points respectively. Despite the electric play of Eagle point guard Omagbemi Onipede (‘12), who led his team with 14 points, a comeback was out of the question. Rosenbaum led the game with seven rebounds, also adding four blocks and 11 points.
Behind smart clock management and strong passing down the stretch, the Vikings strolled their way to a second league victory, to remain undefeated. Gray (‘11) added insult to injury with two easy fast break buckets off of successive steals. Hakim led the Vikings with 10 points, while forward Tory Prati (‘12) pulled in six rebounds and Wong dished out five assists.
“It’s a whole team effort,” Wong said. “Our whole coaching staff works hard to get us a good scouting report on the other team, and with the constant subbing, it makes everyone work harder and fight for [playing time].”
The Vikings will continue league play at Cupertino High School this Friday at 7:45 p.m.