| Trouble with refs can't slow down JV basketball (12/07) | | Print | |
| Written by Wendy Tyler | |
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The JV boys’ basketball team isn’t exactly off to a hot start. Then again, the Cardinals are undefeated. With an early start on practices, Lowell is determined to maintain its AAA title for the fifth consecutive year. The season started off easily enough as the Cardinals crushed International High School 50-20 on Nov. 24. The preseason games as a whole, however, have been testing the team’s ability. Lowell won all three games against Westmoore, Carlmont and San Mateo in the South San Francisco Tournament. According to sophomore guard Holden Taylor, the tournament was “the toughest competition yet, but the Cardinals stepped up to the challenge and won.” Throughout the games, sophomore point guard Kevin Kung displayed his strength and leadership, earning the most valuable player award. “He makes a big difference in the team both on and off the court. He brings a whole new aspect to the team,” head coach Aaron Koga said. In their next game, the Cardinals knocked off a tough El Camino squad 49-42 despite questionable refereeing. “It was tough because we didn’t play our best but a lot of it was because players were frustrated with refs,” Koga said. “At the JV level there aren’t a lot of good refs.” In the forth quarter the refs ejected sophomore shooting guard Valeriy Sosnovski after his fifth foul. “Valeriy was frustrated with the call,” Koga said. “They gave him a technical foul and the refs didn’t want him in the gym.” Also during the forth quarter sophomore center Jacob Wilmer was injured in a foul in a foul. “I went for a rebound and got fouled and then I flipped over the other guy,” Wilmer said. Wilmer is currently out with a sprained shoulder. The Cardinals’ success is occurring amidst major changes. Several of last year’s team players have moved up to the varsity squad, including star sophomores Anthony Clay and Iwunze Ugo. To supplement the loss, Koga and his assistant coach Mike Mar hired two new coaches, Johnny Lee and Clifford Nakai, to their staff. These additions will make practices easier, according to Koga. A key player that could make a difference this season is freshman guard Charley August, who the team calls the “Hype Beast.” “Charley’s probably one of the most well-rounded freshman this season,” Koga said. “There’s a lot of potential for Charley.” Come see the team smash Half Moon Bay at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Lowell. |
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