Patriots play tough in loss to Dons
- Updated: January 7, 2022
2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 59, CHRISTIAN 39
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (1-4-2022) — The Christian High boys basketball team has bonded together these last few years, and has shown many instances that they can compete with the best. The Patriots have no easy task, especially playing in the Western League.
Considering the Cathedral Catholic Dons own a 13-5 record, it has to look somewhat respectable for the Patriots (4-10), even with the 20-point differential. Especially, as the Patriots kickstarted the first quarter with a 12-8 advantage over the visiting Dons.
Winning any quarter over this team is a sign of growth and being more competitive.
The second quarter was like two different squads hit the court.
With only three shooters, in reality, the Cathedral Catholic Dons put their offense into full gear as their defense also shut down the host Patriots’ anemic offensive attack.
The Dons had the Pats on their tail in the second quarter of play, 18-10, and a not-so-comfortable 26-22 lead at the half.
Leading the Dons’ offensive charge in the first half, Dean Lahanas had 13 total points, including three three-pointers. For the Patriots, Ben Felice had 11 total points, along with three three-pointers and a field goal.
As the Patriots came back after the half, they had to be impressed with how well they battled against the powerhouse Dons.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, the Dons did what most great teams do in close matches such as this, make adjustments.
Cathedral came out on fire, winning the third quarter easily, 19-12, and in the final quarter, Christian gave it that one last strong push, especially on offense, losing 14-7 in the fourth, to ultimately lose the contest, 59-39.
“I think we shocked everyone when we came out on an 18-8 run in the first quarter. But throughout the game, Cathedral went on a couple of runs that were unanswered by us. If we can stop these runs better as a team, play complete games, I think we can battle with most teams in the county. Pat (Perez) had an amazing game, as usual. He helped us on both sides of the ball, as usual,” said Hunter Provience, of the Pats.
“We just needed to respond to the opponent’s run with our own. When we play teams of this caliber, our competitiveness does get better, but that needs to happen in every game. There are still things we need to work on, but we will get there soon,” said Perez.
Perez ended up with 14 total points, along with two three-pointers.
Up next for the Patriots, they will be versus Hoover (9-6), at the Ryan Center, on Friday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
