Men’s varsity basketball beats Cosumnes Oaks at Sleep Train Arena
Moe Ali jumps up to block a shot against Cosumnes Oaks at Sleep Train Arena on Jan 22. Photo by Daniel Sharrah
The men’s varsity basketball beat Cosumnes Oaks 77-42 on Jan. 22 while playing at the Sacramento Kings’ stadium, Sleep Train Arena.
Varsity took control in the first half by playing a more physical ball game and utilizing their full court press to create turnovers. Whitney never looked back, heading into the locker room with a 43-14 lead.
Head coach Nick French was impressed with the team’s play in the first half.
“I thought in the first half, that was the best half we played all year long. The second quarter especially was the best quarter we played all year,” French said.
Cosumnes Oaks came back in the third quarter, outscoring the Cats 18-13. The Wolfpack relied mostly on fast-break points and forced multiple turnovers.
Once the fourth quarter started, the Wildcats kicked it back into gear and outscored Cosumnes, sealing the victory.
The conditions of playing at Sleep Train was different because the size of the court. The Wildcats normally play in a gym that is 84 feet long but the court at Sleep Train is 94 feet long. This created more fatigue and tiredness in the players, allowing more substitute players to come into the game.
“I thought the kids adjusted well to the court. I thought they were really excited to play there. We got there a little early and got about half an hour to shoot before the frosh game,” French said.
With 15 points and four blocks, Moe Ali was the player of the Game. Ali was proud of the way the team played and adjusted to the size of Sleep Train Arena.
“I think it was a good win for all of us, I think no individual played better than the other and it was a good team win that we needed,” Ali said.
The varsity team is now 6-0 in league and ranked Number 7 in the San-Joaquin Section. The team has beaten every team in league play and looks to continue their winning streak when they play Antelope for the first time on Jan. 27.
Spencer Bennett said, “[The game] made us know that we can beat everyone except Antelope so once we beat Antelope we know that we can go undefeated and win league.”
by DANIEL SHARRAH
