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.
“As we came into tonight, we needed to play as a team, stay connected on defense and play our hearts out,” Vasquez said. “We knew that was what we had to do, and we knew that it was going to be a close game. It would come down to the last shot of the game.”
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.
“In the first quarter, we were not playing connected; we were not talking [about] defense. They were hitting their shots, and we were not. It was a typical first quarter, but we knew we had to step it up,” Vasquez said.
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.
“The student section was awesome. While we were down, the energy and motivation from the crowd lifted our spirits,” Weingart said. “It is a huge advantage to have that many kids and have everyone into the game. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Weingart also understood that in order to win, it would need to come from the strength of the team alone.
“Our back was against the wall. We knew that, and we knew we were not going to lose the game,” Weingart said. “Coach Jay gave us a fiery speech that lit us up and pushed us to come out with energy in the second half.”
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.
“In the third quarter, we played well together both offensively and defensively. We moved the ball, communicated on defense, got big stops and hit big shots. It gave us a chance to win and [that] is what this team is all about,” Treene said.
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.
“We have this opportunity for redemption to beat Archie Williams in the MCAL championship game, and I know if any team can do it, it is us,” Vasquez said.