The new year has brought a new level of competition to face the Freshman Boy’s Basketball team at San Juan Hills High School. Their last two games have been against the Junior Varsity teams at two similarly new high schools: Romoland Heritage and Hemet Tahquitz.

The Stallions first met the Patriots of Heritage High at the SJHHS gym. The game was close through the first three quarters, but the Stallions were able to pull away in the fourth quarter for the win, 65-47

Tahquitz High School proved to be the Stallions’ toughest competition to date. The Titans JV team featured two prolific scorers that ultimately scored 54 of their team’s 64 points. San Juan Hills opened the game in a half-court trapping defense which proved to be key, as the Stallions were able to convert several forced turnovers into scoring opportunities. Several players were able to connect from 3-point range, adding to a well-balanced offensive attack.

The second half started with SJHHS holding a commanding lead, 48-32. Lackluster play by San Juan Hills combined with hot shooting by the Titans allowed the lead to slip into single digits.

The Stallion’s stifling zone defense held their opponents to just 11 points in the fourth quarter resulting in the final 75-64 score.

The game featured intensity and athleticism from both sides, resulting in the highest offensive output of the season for the Stallions, as well as the highest combined point total.

The 16-1 Stallions resume play January 18 and 22 at Corona Del Mar and have another home game against Tahquitz on Jan 24 at 3:15pm.