The Aptos boys basketball team defeated Santa Cruz 73-64 on Friday in Aptos, handing the Cardinals their first loss of the season in league play. Aptos and Santa Cruz are now tied atop the league standings with just two weeks left in the season.
Aptos scored quickly off the tip-off and never looked back, leading by as many 18 points and never trailing in the game.
“It was a hard-earned victory,” said Aptos coach Joe Smith, “I’m really proud of our team. They worked hard all week in practice. They really came out and gave it everything they had.”
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The Mariners attack was paced by Jake Harrell, who led all scorers with 18 points, and Cole Welle, who chipped in with 16. Danny Victory also scored 16, including a clutch three point shot in the final two minutes that put Aptos up by nine points.
Santa Cruz went into the half trailing by 10 points and came out using the full-court press throughout the second half while playing a more physical style of defense. It didn’t seem to rattle Aptos until the Cardinals made a run in the fourth quarter.
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After nine unanswered points, Santa Cruz pulled within six points of Aptos until Victory’s three pointer all but sealed the game. Jonah Hodges and Chris Martin led Santa Cruz with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
“We wanted to keep our composure, keep it simple, hit the open guy. Not try to do too much. We felt that if we did that, there would be opportunities for us,” said Smith.
