The San Juan Hills High Stallions were only a few games away from closing their inaugural season poised to finish in grand style. With an overall record of 20-1, the Freshman Boy’s Basketball team had been undefeated in a regular season that featured opponents that often were sophomore or junior varsity teams. However, all good parties must come to end. Unfortunately for the Stallions, one of their opponents found a way to crash the party.

This past weekend featured rematches against some of their tougher opponents.
The Corona Del Mar Sophomore team had given the Stallions a close match when they met last month on the Sea Kings’ floor. This match-up was back and forth throughout the game and not decided until late in the game.

As is common with this team, the scoring comes in bunches. After breaking out to a 17-4 lead, the Stallions fell off the pace and allowed CDM to narrow the gap to six points. The Stallions responded with another streak of scoring that stretched into the early third period, outscoring their opponents 23-7 for a commanding 40-18 lead.

The Sea Kings weren’t finished yet as they closed the margin to 7 points in the 4th quarter, though without the help of Matt Fisher, who was deadly from 3-point range in their first meeting (7, 31 points). CDM capitalized on their larger size by feeding the ball inside. However, the Stallions were able to force key backcourt turnovers late in the game and convert them for the final 59-47 score.

Jacob St. Onge had a breakout game with 4 assists and several rebounds. Michael Perryman led scoring with 21, along with help from Will Acromite (20 points) and Elliott Bragg (7).

Sixteen hours later, they were back at it, this time making the journey to face Hemet Tahquitz. The Titans’ sophomore team features two prolific scorers, LaKieth Kimbrough and Dwayne Brown, who combined for 44 points as Tahquitz handed SJH it’s first regular season loss, 54-45.

The Stallion’s high-octane offense never got going as they fell behind early. The Titans played a collapsed defense that prevented any inside game from the Stallions. The lone exception was Will Acromite, who scored most of his 19 points in the paint and many on second and third attempts following his own rebounds.

After opening the third quarter down by 5, the Stallions were able to regain the lead briefly 30-29. The Titans responded with 5 in a row, and the Stallions weren’t able to challenge for the lead again, though both teams played even down the stretch.

The 21-2 Stallions meet El Toro in their final regular season game.