By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer
// In honor of longtime assistant basketball coach and Physical Education teacher Chris Huber, the men’s basketball team hosted the first day of its annual Chris Huber Classic on Thursday, Dec. 27.
After a long day of exciting events, Acalanes finally got to play on their home floor against Concord High School. Despite losing their last two games, the Dons came ready to play.
Led by co-captains sophomore Scott Ruegg and senior Ian Archer, the team cruised past Concord 80-60 to advance to the tournament semifinals, where they will square off against De Anza at 7 on Dec. 28 in the Big Gym.
After a steady first quarter, Acalanes erupted for 28 points in the second. In the first half, Ruegg scored 15 points, including three three-pointers. Archer was brilliant as well, chipping in with 14 points in the first half. After locking down Concord on the other end, Acalanes held a commanding 48-34 lead at halftime.
The second half was no different. Archer and Ruegg combined for 11 of the team’s 13 third-quarter points. Acalanes would go on to win the game 80-60, ending a two-game skid.
Ruegg was stellar all night long with 27 points and three makes from beyond the arc. Archer scored 20 points in his own right. Sophomore Joey Carrillo added ten points.
“The sophomores on our team have been vital to our success,” senior center Jackson Kirke said. “Ruegg has been leading our team in the past couple of tournaments.”
The 80 point performance was the Dons’ highest total all season long. Their next closest effort was 63 points, which came in an El Cerrito Holiday Hoops Classic win over host El Cerrito 63-57.
Today’s game against De Anza will be the second matchup between the two teams this season, as De Anza edged out Acalanes in the Amador Valley Tournament 61-54.
According to Kirke, the Dons will need to be strong near the basket to avenge their early season loss.
“I think we will have to rebound better and deal with their size,” Kirke said. “But I like our chances of winning.”