The boys’ varsity basketball team got a statement victory against Covenant Christian behind sophomore Auston Gonzalez’s 21 points Tuesday night. Gonzalez also went  7 for 8 from the 3-point line.

“I believe I’ve been shooting well this season because we have great players on the team that are able to drive inside the paint and force the defenses to surround them so i’m wide open and my teammates look for me,” Gonzalez said. “Once I hit a few shots my confidence increases, and it’s easier to keep a flow and hot more shot.”

Senior Juan Rodriguez pointed to the team’s defensive play.

“We locked down their best player for the first three quarters before we decided to sit back and he took advantage,” Rodriguez said. “It was too late for him to make a difference however, offensively Ev [Lanier] and I combined for 9 points but luckily Gonzo hit a few threes, and we began running every play for him and he could not miss. Gonzo was our best player that game and I’m not sure we would’ve won the game if he hadn’t gone off with seven threes.” 

 Friday’s upcoming home game against archrival Edgewood is important because of its district implications.

“Well we just learned that Cocoa Beach beat Cocoa by one recently which really creates a topsy-turvy situation in the standings,” Rodriguez said. “Our next two district games against Edgewood and Astronaut are must-wins. We are not holding back anything against either team. Once the new year starts, it’s very possible we can be competing for the second seed, depending on whether we can beat MCC on Jan. 6. For now we’re focused on the Edgewood game and have only practiced our game plan for them. It would be nice to have a big crowd — all wearing white of course — so we can thump our rival and send a message to our school and the rest of the district.” 

The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

By Carl Koko