For the first time since 2005, the varsity boys’ basketball team won the El Camino league, finishing 9-3 and tying for first place with Santa Clara.
With a winning record in both the preseason and league play, Saratoga qualified for CCS in Division III, which is based off of school size. This meant they were pitted against Prospect, based on rank and proximity.
After defeating Prospect 52-40 at home on Feb. 21, the team lost to a higher ranked Santa Cruz 55-48 on the road two days later. The Falcons were shooting well in the first half, but broke down in the second and lost their lead.
“We knew if we lost our season would be over, so we played with everything we had,” senior captain Brandon Pak said.
Senior captain Peter Hsieh said, “The goal going into CCS was to win two games. Although we lost our second one, we almost upset a heavy favorite, so we had some consolation.”
Despite the loss, Pak said that it’s always fun being the underdog and trying to pull off an upset.
The loss to Santa Cruz was tough, considering Saratoga was leading at halftime. Pak said that the team was playing well until the fourth quarter, when it lost energy and surrendered the lead.
“There a few mental lapses that cost us,” Hsieh said, “but if a few more shots had rattled in instead of out, it could have been anyone’s game. I don’t think the team’s effort could be faulted since everyone played their hardest.”
A sprained ankle to junior guard Kyle Dozier was a major setback for the Falcons during CCS. Dozier was injured during the last league game against Lynbrook and was unable to play in the first round of CCS against Prospect. Dozier played in the Santa Cruz game, but was not at full strength.
For the second year in a row, Saratoga was able to make it to the second round of CCS. Because of their success this year, the Falcons will be moving up from B league to A league next season.
This season was the last for Hsieh and Pak as well as seniors Salmaan Javed, James Huang and Mitchell Casas.
“It’s sad to think this was my last year, but I had so much fun and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Pak said.