By Lauren Smith
The men’s varsity basketball team faced off on the hardwood with cross-town rival, Green Valley, on Tuesday Jan. 5. The Cougars came out on top 60-59.
It was apparent from the opening tip that it was going to be a close game. Most of the Cougars’ points were scored from the free-throw line in the first quarter until Jake DesJardins, senior, sunk a three-pointer just before the buzzer to put Coronado up 12-11 at the end of the first quarter.
The Cougars started strong in the second quarter with a slam dunk by Kennedy Koehler, junior, off an assist from DesJardins. Green Valley fought back throughout the rest of the half, taking a slight lead of 28-26 at the half.
Coronado’s shooting went cold in the third quarter, allowing the Gators to take a 45-36 lead advancing into the fourth quarter.
“Our team really bounced back after the third quarter. I would have liked to score, but my teammates really stepped up,” Patrick Simms, sophomore, said.
After a couple of minutes of back and forth scoring, Trey Hurlburt, junior, stunned Green Valley with three straight three-pointers to give the Cougars a 56-51 lead. The Gators once again fought back to tie up the game 59-59. Bryce Savoy, junior, stepped up to the free throw line with six seconds left on the clock. Savoy made the clutch free throw and followed it up with a steal to win the game 60-59.
“We were determined to get the win after a close game, and it’s exciting that it was against our rivals,” Simms said.
