Boys’ basketball defeated Fairfield’s Vanden High School 96-64, without the help of star player Matt O’Reilly. A quarter-final matchup of the boys’ NorCal Division III tournament, the game was held at home on Saturday, March 15.
The DFAL champion Cougars got good shots both in fast break situations and in their regular half court offensive set. Their defense was also strong; they were able to contain Vanden’s point guard, who controlled most of their offense.
“We had great teamwork all around,” senior Isaac Christian said. According to The Reporter, Campolindo scored 54 points in the last 16 minutes of the game.
O’Reilly broke his wrist in an NCS game and is out for the remainder of the season. “He’s a great 3-point shooter and he drives the baseline really well,” Christian said. “He was a really good offensive player,” Zolintakis agreed. However, Zolintakis believes that senior Justin Dunn, in particular, was able to step up. “Justin Dunn scored a lot and played really well,” he said.
Some of the players said they hoped to get a few more baskets because they wanted to get to at least 100 points. “Our coach was a little disappointed that we got 96,” Christian said.
A loss in NorCals means the end of the boys’ basketball season. Zolintakis said that, as a senior, knowing it could be his last game motivates him to give his all.
The team will play in the semifinals at home on March 18 against Archbishop Riordan. “I think if we play at the level we’re capable of playing at, we should win,” Zolintakis said.
