Author: Daniel Bowden
Editors: Arman Ataei Kachoei, Armin Ataei Kachoei
Publisher: Brandon Isbell
As always seen between both schools inside and outside the classroom, Poly and City battled it out on the court this past Friday. The fierce competitive and passionate nature between both schools was put to the test in their JV and Varsity matchups between their Boys Basketball teams. The Poly gym was filled with anticipation for both games, and fans and Poly students were hoping to see a Poly win. Let’s recap what happened in both the JV and Varsity boys basketball games between Poly and City.
The JV game was tight early into the game, and the 1st quarter ended with Poly up 12 points to 9 over City. In the 2nd quarter, City was able to take a lead and stretched it to 9 points at the half up 31-22. After the break, Poly rallied to tie the score at 34, but the 3rd quarter ended with City winning 41-38. City extended their lead to 10 points with less than 5 minutes left, and the game pretty much stayed that way to the end and ended in a 54-47 City win for their junior varsity basketball team.
But now it was time for the main event, the Varsity game. City’s team was booed arriving for warmups and the crowd was exhilarated for the big rivalry. Anticipation was at an all-time high in front of the sold-out crowd. The game commenced with City picking up six points, but Poly rallied with numerous 3-pointers to tie it at 12 points, ending Quarter 1 with City up 14-12. The 2nd quarter was pretty quiet to start, with City being up 18-14 at the 2nd quarter’s 4 minute mark. However, the half ended in a tied score of 24-24, setting up for a major 2nd half.
The 2nd half started, and the 2 teams traded buckets and were tied at 32, but Poly put up 7 unanswered points to make the score 39-32 in Poly’s favor. City proceeded to end the quarter on an 11-0 run, taking a 43-39 lead. A Poly three point shot halted City’s run at 15 – 0, to make the score 47-42 for City. The game was exceptionally close, and Poly missed a 3 pointer that would’ve tied the game at 49-49 with 2:22 left, but it just missed. Poly made the score 50-48 with under a minute left, but City responded with a layup to make it 52-48. From there, City was able to stretch the lead to a final score of 54 – 48.
For the post-game analysis, The JV game was close, but City kept Poly from ever taking the lead. Props to the JV team though for putting their best foot forward and trying their best all game long.
As for Varsity, it was an interesting game. The game started incredibly close and was tied at halftime. Both teams were evenly matched, but it seemed like City was able to get some better shots up that helped them in the long run. After Poly made 2 early three point shots, they struggled from beyond the arc and didn’t attempt as many threes in the 2nd half. It was a tough, physical, and emotional game between 2 rival schools in a hostile environment. Poly’s Varsity team left it all on the court, showing how much they wanted this win. Hopefully, their practice pays off in future games, and they can pick up some wins. It was a great effort from both sides in both games, and we hope that they can meet again, only with possibly a different result for Poly.
