Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Boys Varsity Basketball team went against Muir High School (MHS) on Jan. 9 in the North Gym. The game ended in the Apaches’ favor, defeating Muir with a win of 64-45.
From the beginning, there was a great deal of Apache pride displayed. The bleachers were packed with families, friends, and students wearing AHS colors and eagerly anticipating the players’ performance.
Both teams, however, had a rocky start. At first, players fumbled for the ball and were not very aggressive. The game picked up, though, as MHS received a foul, and AHS, in turn, was able to score a free throw. Sophomore Owen Eteuati-Edwards made the first shot of the first quarter, gaining one point. AHS then gained two points, but MHS immediately followed with a three-pointer, tying the score. They went back and forth right after, each team fighting to score right after the other. The quarter ended with a score of 12-7.
AHS maintained its lead in the second quarter. Sophomore Ajani Balogun, gaining a total of 17 points and 13 rebounds himself, started the quarter strong with two points. This widened the gap between the scores, and AHS players continued to contribute towards increasing it. The Apaches consistently defended and stole many passes. Sophomore Nick Wallace Jr. was especially prominent throughout the game, steadily gaining points for his team.
Things quickly got more intense on the court, and fellow Apaches in the bleachers were equally enthused. People cheered loudly whenever AHS scored and shouted never-ending encouragement. The ending score for the second quarter was 30-20.
During halftime, teams discussed strategies as the Arcadia Pep Squad delivered an outstanding performance. Their sharp, synchronized choreography, confident expressions, and free merch tosses helped members of the audience to keep their spirits up.
AHS shot a two-pointer straight away into the third quarter, bringing the score to 32-20. The Apaches remained in the lead, but MHS began to catch up. They shortened the gap as they scored multiple times, eventually bringing the score to 37-27. Both teams were called out for many fouls, and the game score came to 49-29.
MHS made the first shot of the fourth quarter, gaining two points to start the quarter with a score of 49-31. The Apaches continued to persist and rack up points. Both teams fought fiercely and fell numerous times as they gave it their all for the final quarter. AHS was soon able to secure its win, concluding the game with a final score of 64-45.
“Getting to the basket and making open shots was a big key to us winning today. We tried to do our best and respect whoever we’re playing against,” said Balogun.
This win was AHS’s sixth straight home victory dating back to last season. Players picked each other up whenever someone fell, and both teams played fairly. Whether they were playing or on the bench, members of the team congratulated each other on their success, and their powerful win was entirely based on individual talent and teamwork skills.
