Despite 21 points from junior Auston Gonzalez and 18 from senior Khalil Paul, the boys’ varsity basketball team lost to Viera 83-56 Tuesday night.

The team started the season strong with a 54-49 victory against Heritage, but has struggled recently. 

“We came out the gates slow and they ended up taking a 11-0 lead,” junior Travis McClendon said. “Once we got ourselves into that hole, there was no coming back and we just gave up. They were probably one of the better shooting teams we have played this year, so next game we need to focus more on our defense.”

Despite losing three games in a row the players still have a positive attitude, according to Gonzalez.

“We have lost our last three games but we have fought hard in them, and we are playing teams that are super-competitive,” he said. “We played a good Viera team and fought hard. We just need to bring more energy onto the floor and give more effort in our next game.”

The team’s will next play host to Eau Gallie on Friday at 7 p.m.

By Emily Smith