| | Published February 4th, 2009
| Matadors Dismantle Knights in Walnut Creek
| | By Kevin D. Shallat |  | | Davis Louis finishes his drive with a finger roll in Mats win against
Alhambra, 61-41 Photo Jordan Fong
|
The Miramonte Matadors boys' basketball team took their five game DFAL winning streak on the road on Friday, January 23, facing Walnut Creek's Las Lomas Knights. The Knights focused on shutting down 6'9" Eric Obeysekere and kept him to 14 points. But all that attention on Obeysekere cleared space for Jared O'Leary who scored five 3-pointers and was 4-4 at the foul line. The Mats finished off the Knights, 70-56, upping their DFAL record to 5-0.
The Knights got off to a 5-0 lead, and soon after extended their lead to 16-10. Obeysekere did his best to get his teammates going early, but they were unable to knock down their shots.
Las Lomas power forward Kyle Klinck got open for easy looks early on, scoring the majority of his 14 points in the opening minutes of the game. After the Matadors found a way to stop Klinck, it was only a matter of time before their shooters warmed up. After a three-pointer by Payam Vadi, and a jumper by Obeysekere, Davis Louie was able to tie the game at 20-20 on a steal and a finger roll. Louie (one of three captains) finished with 11 points and 9 assists.
After tying up the game, the Matador shooters made themselves right at home, and with long time Miramonte fan and supporter Jim Stockholm in the stands, it looked a little like home, too.
Spenser McDonald was a big reason the Mats were able to break out to a comfortable lead before halftime. McDonald knocked down all three of his three-pointers in the first half, as Miramonte cruised to a 34-22 halftime lead. He finished the game with nine points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
In the second half, the Knights endured a steady dose of Obeysekere and Jared O'Leary. Obeysekere played a very patient, unselfish game. He could have shot the ball more, but he seemed determined to keep his hot shooters involved.
When asked if his team felt at home on the road, Obeysekere was absolute: "We're battle tested. We start five returning players from last year. We know what to do. We had a very good year last year. Two of our main scorers are back. We're ready to go. We can play anyone on any night."
Anyone, on any night?
That proved true Friday when the Mats beat Alhambra 61-41.
Miramonte heads into the second half of league play, including away games at Campo, Dougherty Valley and Alhambra. Campo and Dublin are currently next behind Miramonte in league standings, each with a 4-2 record.
|
| | | | | | | | Advertisement | | |
| | | | | | Comments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Subscribe / Unsubscribe | | | | | |
| | | | | |  | | |
| | |  | | |
| | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA