Basketball team aims to rebound from crushing defeats

After getting its groove back wins against Homestead and Mountain View in late January, the boys’ basketball team suffered two heartbreaking losses on Feb. 2 against Lynbrook (49-46) and on Feb. 5 against Santa Clara (47-44).

The Falcons hold a 4-5 record as of Feb. 8, but according to senior guard Joe Eschen, their play on the court has been much better than their record indicates, with talented players leading to most of the team’s losses being close defeats.

“It is fun to play together as a unit,” Eschen said. “We play a great defensive game, shutting down their best player and making sure that one or two scores didn't turn into a big run for them at any given point throughout the game.”

Eschen has come up big in many games this year, hitting important shots and playing consistent defense.

A big goal for the team is to make CCS and perform well in it. As of now, it is still unclear whether the team will be able to qualify for it. In order to have a solid chance of making CCS, the Falcons would have to win on Feb. 10 against Cupertino, Feb. 12 against Homestead and Feb. 19 against Monta Vista. Even if the team wins out the rest of the season, it is still not clear whether the team would qualify.

“It is hard to say whether or not we can make CCS, since a lot of the teams in our league are of equal talent,” senior forward Jatin Mohanty said. “I know we are talented enough to make it; we just have to show that we are.”

Although its record may not indicate it, the team’s wins are not flukes, players said.

“There is not a single game that we could not have one this season,” junior guard Cai said. “Even against Santa Clara, we should have won. We are a very talented team, and even though it may not be translating to the record we want right now, I am proud of the way this team has fought.”

The Falcons defeated Homestead 57-46 on Jan. 22 and Mountain View 50-44 on Jan. 29 to achieve a winning record. Then came the CCS-damaging losses to Lynbrook and Santa Clara.

This year, Eschen and Mohanty are leading the charge for the Falcons, averaging over 10 points per game and playing consistent defense. Along with them, senior forward Tyler Yoshihara, Fong, and 6-5 junior center Joel Schneidmiller have proven to be worthy starters, getting crucial rebounds and assists while scoring in bunches.

Players may not have reached the expectations they placed on themselves so far, but they know they still have chances.

“I know we can go really far this season,” Cai said. “This team has the potential to be great.”

Due to printing deadlines, the Falcon was unable to cover the Feb. 10 game against Cupertino.