FLAWLESS VICTORY FOR THE GOLDEN EAGLES

On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the Clovis West boys basketball team had a game against Weston Ranch to kick off the Annual Nike Invitational. Coming into the game, Clovis West had a flawless record of 6-0. On the other hand, Weston Ranch had a rough start as they went into the game with a 2-3 record.

 

Clovis West looked confident from the jump. The players were active, energetic, engaged, and ready to compete during layup lines. The game plan was simple: take advantage of the size matchup. With Tyus Parrish-Tillman (Sr.) and Kaleb Jackson (Jr.) in the paint, there would be a plethora of opportunities to dominate the key and wreck havoc on both ends of the court. It seemed as if the best chance to win was if Clovis West got the bigs going. 

 

Team captains Marshel Sanders (So.) and Trey Carr (Sr.) met the opposing team captains and referees at halfcourt to discuss the rules and how the referees wish for a clean, fair game. The team captains shake hands and wish each other a good game to conclude the meeting. This pregame ritual has become a tradition to spread good sportsmanship.

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Soon after, The Clovis West starting five is introduced. This is where one can tell how close the team is as their camaraderie and creativity is on display. The Clovis West basketball team forms a path for their starters to run down as Jackson is located at the end of the path, greeting every starter with a unique handshake. Shortly after, it is time for tip-off.

 

Clovis West got off to an exceptional start as they went on a 6-0 run. One negative was that Clovis West got in foul trouble quite early. Weston Ranch drew a few charges resulting in having key players like Sanders in quick foul trouble. The second unit played quite well, and by the end of the first half, Clovis West had a comfortable 57-25 lead. 

 

Clovis West came out in the second half, looking to fix some mistakes and tighten up on both sides of the floor. As the third quarter was concluded, Clovis West was still in complete control of the game with a score of 74-43. 

 

During blowouts, Coach Walberg loves to play everyone, especially the people who do not get the opportunity to get in as others. It is an exciting time because everyone on the team can display their talent. One player that stole the show was player-manager Jake Sandino (Sr.). Sandino is considered one of the fan-favorite players, and any time he touches the ball, the crowd goes berserk. 

 

One of the highlights of the night was when Sandino caught the ball in the corner on a fast break. Sandino quickly noticed a defender flying out to contest his shot and pump-faked. By doing this, the defender went flying past Sandino as he took a stepback dribble and launched it from deep. As the ball was in the air, the entire crowd got up on their feet and erupted with cheer as the ball splashed through the net. The building was buzzing with electricity, and Sandino was feeling himself as he celebrated on his way back on defense.

 

As the clock is expiring, Jackson got the ball with an opportunity to shoot a wide-open three. Reluctant to shoot the ball, he looks around first to verify if it is okay or not for him to proceed with that action. During this process, the crowd and bench are cheering him on to shoot the shot. With nothing to lose, Jackson puts up the shot with a clear conscience and drains it from downtown to put the icing on the cake.

 

If you are a fan of the Clovis West boys basketball program, now is the time to get ecstatic. The team performed exceptionally well throughout the season thus far, especially in the Annual Nike Invitational hosted at Clovis West, as they came out victorious, expanding their flawless record to 10-0. 

 

The team is well-coached and led by Vance Walberg. He does an exceptional job maintaining many different personalities. Regardless of the talent on his roster, Walberg is a  professional at assembling competitive teams year in and year out. This year, the Clovis West basketball team has high hopes. They have a spectacular coaching staff with elite players. The sky is the limit for the team as they look for a second Valley championship in three years.