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Boys’ varsity basketball rallies to victory over Branson with double digit comeback By Sam kimball

On Thursday, Feb. 10, the boys’ varsity basketball team took on The Branson School at the Phil Roark Gymnasium in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) semi-final game. A packed crowd of Redwood fans sporting red, white and blue for the U.S.A. themed game left ecstatic after a 44-41 victory. This win leads the basketball team to the MCAL championship against Archie Williams High School tonight, Feb. 12.

Coming into the game, the Giants recognized the difficulty they would face against their opponent, especially standouts such as Branson freshman Semetri Carr and sophomore Jase Butler, as well as senior Joaquim Arauz-Moore. Despite the strong Branson lineup, Redwood sophomore Jake Vasquez was confident with the team’s game plan and looked forward to the clash that would ensue.

LET THE GAME BEGIN

The first quarter started out strong for Branson as Carr picked up two points and knocked down a three. Butler also contributed, fighting for rebounds off of the glass. On the opposite side of the court, the Giants struggled with communication and defense against the strong Branson offense.

As the first quarter came to a close, Branson led 16-7 with Redwood’s only field goals coming from seniors Aiden Squiers and Charlie Treene. The second quarter began similarly as Arauz-Moore made a few shots and Redwood lagged to move the ball and penetrate towards the hoop. At the end of the quarter, shots by Treene and Vasquez cut the Branson lead to nine and at half-time, a tiny bit of hope sparked in the Redwood stands.

While the first half was filled with ups and downs for both teams, one of the highlights for Redwood was the extensive student section which energized the team even when the score was not in their favor. Junior Brady Weingart acknowledged that the extra energy helped the team come back and win the game.

Weingart also understood that in order to win, it would need to come from the strength of the team alone.

The energy translated to points for Redwood, as Vasquez and Weingart constantly passed the ball to set up three pointers, bringing Redwood within three points of Branson’s lead. Midway through the third quarter, Treene began to find openings and made multiple three pointers, putting Redwood on top for the first time in the game. Treene’s eight total points of the third quarter contributed a large fraction of the 20 scored during that quarter by Redwood as they led 36-29 going into the crucial final minutes of the game.

Treene noticed the team’s play improve throughout the game and felt the momentum shift swiftly in Redwood’s favor.

The fourth quarter kicked off with high intensity and fast paced possessions from Branson. Arauz-Moore drew a foul from Weingart’s three point attempt, sending Aruauz-Moore to the free throw line. After making two out of the three shots, Branson was within striking distance of the win, but the Giants continued to put their foot on the gas. Clutch shots from junior Ainsworth Fish, Vasquez and Treene helped seal the game and complete the comeback with a final score of 44-41. The victory was met with students erupting into celebration as they stormed the court.

The celebration

Redwood will advance to the MCAL championship game — a rematch against Archie Williams — tonight, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m. on Redwood’s home court. After a devastating loss last week, it is Redwood’s chance for revenge and an opportunity to lift the MCAL trophy.

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