The Toppers parade onto the court in the Edward Madenia Gym in Espanola to face the Sundevils last Friday night. This was the second meeting for these teams and the Toppers were hoping to reverse the outcome this time but that was not to be, as they lost 63-81. In spite of scoring the most points all season it was not enough for a win. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Gavin Campos was the high point man for the Toppers with 19 points. Here he goes up for a layup and is closely guarded by Justino Rascon and Gabriel Serrano. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.comAfter hanging around for three quarters, the Los Alamos High School boys basketball team finally succumbed to the pressure and pace of the Espanola Valley High School Sundevils in an 81-63 loss to the Sundevils. The Hilltoppers are still seeking their second win in District 2-4A.
Los Alamos had cut Espanola’s lead to just three points in the third quarter 44-41 and could have tied the game with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, but couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity. The Sundevils led 57-46 heading into the fourth quarter. After Los Alamos cut the lead down to single digits with a basket by Matthew Owen to start the fourth quarter, the Sundevils put together a 15-2 run that gave Espanola a commanding 72-50 lead. The Sundevils cruised to an 18-point victory from there.
“We were able to stay tight with them with a tight defense,” Los Alamos Coach Michael Kluk said. “Give them a couple of transition baskets. They hit some transition three’s. That little burst and we come out of that tight defense.”
Espanola led 24-12 after the first quarter. Los Alamos was able to make a little progress in the second quarter and trailed 39-28 at halftime. Both teams scored 18 points in the third quarter. Los Alamos pulled to within three points of the Sundevils. Back-to-back three-pointers by Gavin Campos and Gavin Irwin, followed by a basket from JD Carson made the score 44-40. A technical foul on Espanola, followed by a free throw from Irwin cut the lead to three points, but that was as close as Los Alamos would get.
The Hilltoppers could not contain Espanola point guard Ryan Trujillo, who scored 33 points. Brian Martinez added 18 points for the Sundevils. Campos scored 21 points to lead Los Alamos. He was the only Hilltopper to score in double digits.
Los Alamos fell to 1-5 in District 2-4A and is just 6-18 overall. The Hilltoppers only chance at making it to the state basketball tournament is to win the District 2-4A tournament. Los Alamos hosts Taos High School Thursday (2/21) and finishes the regular season facing Pojoaque Valley High School Saturday at Pojoaque.
“We can emphasize keep working to get better,” Coach Kluk said. “We want to get back here (Espanola) for the district championship.”
David Owen scored 9 points to help the Topper effort; he is guarded by Ryan Trujillo. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Sahib Khalsa is always a strong player all over the court, but in this photo his shot was blocked by John Garcia. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Sebbie Wood scores a layup in spite of the heavy coverage by John Garcia. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Brian Irwin had a good game with 8 points. He scored a layup in the fourth quarter under the coverage of Lorenzo Roybal. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Coach Mike Kluk greets Gavin Compos, David Owen and Matthew Owen for a good showing as they walk off the court at the end of the game. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
