Issue 6 Extended Sports Beats
Men’s Basketball
By Max Trexler, Staff Writer
Photos by Audrey Martin
The men’s basketball team (22-7) overall (11-1) in league, is jumping into playoffs with an ambition to improve and fulfill their identity as a squad.
The team finished off the season by beating Miramonte (79-56) on Feb. 4 and Concord (66-50) on Senior Night (Feb. 6).
In their very last regular season game, the dons took on College park and with a strong performance by Gavin Dodge and Joe Ridenbach, the dons defeated the Falcons (75-65) to improve to 11-1 in league and 21-5 overall.
Despite a tough loss to Campo on Jan. 24, the Dons did not let their one league loss discourage them, as they bounced back to finish the season undefeated
“Coming back from it [Campo Loss] we had a good film session the next day, went through it, nobody was soft about it, we acknowledged we would have to win out to win league after that, so we just kept our focus on the next thing,” senior Brady Quinn said.
The team continued to put their best effort forth in each game, especially as now losing a game would end their season.
“[Our goals for the last few games going into the playoffs include] building off what we did well, and improving what we need to work on, also staying positive in the moment, and looking for every chance to get better. This potential playoff run is new to our program, so we are looking to be better to perform at any level or challenge,” Head Coach Bill Powers said.
During the league championship, the team lost in a tight game against Clayton Valley Charter 66-60. In the North Coast Section playoffs, the team won over Archie Williams 78-68, but lost to Redwood on Feb. 21 62-52, closing out the season for the year.
Women’s Basketball
By Will Miller, Staff Writer
Photos by Audrey Martin
The women’s basketball team (27-1 overall, 11-0 league) has been on a tear this season with an undefeated league record and is looking forward to a deep playoff run.
The team dominated the Diablo Athletic League tournament, first beating Campolindo 86-20 and then Clayton Valley in the championship game with a final score of 73-39.
The Dons finished out league play against College Park with a commanding victory 81-8 victory on senior night.
The core players on the team have a lot of experience together and their coaches believe a deep playoff run is imminent.
“The core of our team is a group of seniors who have played together for many many years, so I think we are well-positioned to go into the playoffs because we are not going to see anything we haven't seen before because they have played together so long,” Assistant Coach Alexis Tamony said.
In the North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division semifinals, the Dons had a dominant win over Cardinal Neuman 78-52. On March 1, in the NCS Championship game, the Dons lost against San Ramon Valley.
Wrestling
By James Hanzel, Staff Writer
Photos by Audrey Martin
The Acalanes wrestling team’s season came to an end at the NCS meet on Feb. 20-21, where every Don who wrestled won at least one match. Ian Sanftner, Amin Noroozi, Ryan Crane, and Lilah Kring were standouts as they all finished top 20 in their respective sections at NCS.
The Dons also competed in the Diablo Athletic League championship meet, where highlights included Gwyneth Lee finishing third in varsity girls and Noroozi finishing fourth in varsity boys.
The team faced some challenges this year, particularly surrounding their lack of upperclassmen and other roster difficulties.
“We were extremely young once again. We had nine first-year underclassmen wrestlers in our varsity lineup at some point this season. Definitely not ideal but we did our best,” Head Coach Steven Nelsen said.
Although the team dealt with these challenges, there is a positive outlook for Acalanes wrestling in the program’s underclassmen.
“On the same token if all of our young and inexperienced wrestlers come back next season we have the ability to grow and really start to take off as a program…We have a chance to have some really good wrestlers if they stick with it,” Nelsen said.
The team worked hard this season, completing some of their goals and persevering through obstacles.
“Our goals were to win at least a dual match or two. We accomplished that. Really wanted to beat Campo and unfortunately our young inexperienced wrestlers just couldn't get that done and we lost 39-37,” Nelsen said.
Unified Basketball
By Gwyneth Lee, Staff Writer
The Unified Basketball program returns for another season of tournaments and games, with their practices beginning on Feb. 17.
Athletes participate in two practices a week with the assistance of student volunteers.
“It's designed for kids with special needs and they ask for volunteers. Each sport has a different way in which you volunteer. With basketball and with soccer, you have partners, and those partners help you play the game, give you directions and so forth. There are only so many of them on the court or on the field at any one time,” Unified Basketball Tournament Director John Crain said.
The aim of the program is to bring students together and include all students in athletics.
“Schools that have implemented Unified Sports have also experienced inclusion of the general student body with those that have special needs. It caused very positive change in the campus culture and climate,” Director for Unified Sports Bill Hansen said.
The first tournament took place on March 5 at the Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek where Acalanes played two teams. Eight total teams were present, including Antioch, Deer Valley, Liberty, Heritage, Pittsburg, Freedom, and Ygnacio Valley.
The Acalanes team also plans on having a home series with Miramonte later in the season.
“It allows Unified students [an opportunity] to be able to compete in high school sports and then compete in other schools [through] programs,” Crain said.
The Unified Basketball program can also be an opportunity for Acalanes students to connect with the community.
“[My favorite part is] watching the kids. You get to see the inner reaction between the partners and the athletes, especially kids. I think the partners get [a lot] out of this, especially kids, because they feel a bond with these kids. [This bond] lasts longer than the sport, it continues throughout the year and beyond,” Crain said.
Ultimately, the small moments during practices and games where the athletes and their partners empower each other encompass the program’s goal.
“It is not about winning or losing, it’s about participating and having fun. When you see a Unified Athlete make a basket, they light up and smile from ear to ear. This is what the program is all about. Empowering the athlete through athletics,” Hansen said.
Women’s Soccer
By Samantha Swift, Staff Writer
The women's soccer team (10-3) overall (8-3) league is eager to elevate their game and work together as a team.
Despite a challenging loss to Miramonte Feb. 9, the team came back securing a 2-1 victory over College Park on Feb. 11. The Dons took on Alhambra in their final regular season on Feb. 14 game winning 2-1.
With a combination of new and returning varsity players, the team is coming in even stronger than last season.
“We have made it to this point in the season with a lot of hard work, and we have no intention of letting up. As far as I can remember, the Acalanes women’s program has never played in D1 playoffs, so I am very proud of this year's team,” Head Coach Alex Avelar said.
Practicing together in addition to outside activities allowed for a strong team bond to develop throughout the season.
“One way we build team culture is by having pasta feeds before major games because it’s just a fun way to socialize with your team and enjoy bonding time together,” junior Lilly Polkinhorn said.
The team ended their season in the NCS semifinals against Amador Valley, losing 2-0. Still, many players and coaches alike valued their time on the field as a team.
“Heading to the field and coaching doesn’t feel like work, it’s so much fun, especially with this group of players,” Avelar said.
Men’s Soccer
By Owen Curley, Staff Writer
The men's soccer team (13-4-3 overall and 5-4-1 in league) looked to finish their stellar season off strong heading into the playoffs.
The team had slowed down after their nearly flawless (8-0-1) start, and have especially struggled in league games after recently losing to Clayton Valley (3-1) on Feb. 4 and tying Campolindo (2-2) on Feb. 6.
After a (3-1) win over Northgate on Feb. 11 and a (3-2) win over College Park on Feb. 15, the team hopes to carry the momentum over into the postseason.
“Going into the home stretch, we'd love to win our last games in the regular season and make a run at winning the ncs championship,” senior Eitan Romick said.
Head Coach Paul Curtis pointed out how the team’s strategies contributed to their success.
“We have succeeded by executing on the team's primary strategic objectives, the team has consistently placed themselves in position to win each match,” Curtis said.
The Dons achieved a big win over Redwood 4-2 in the NCS playoffs, but ended their season with a 2-0 loss against Dougherty Valley.
