In a game marked by commanding defense and efficient scoring, the Palo Alto High School boys basketball team (4-1) dominated the Fremont High School Firebirds (3-4), 68-37, Monday night.
According to Viking senior forward Jorell Clark, the team entered the game determined to avoid surprises.
“We’re probably the better team going into it, but we still can’t take any team easy because that can lead to disaster,” Clark said. “Those could be trap games, and you just want to come in with force, and make sure they don’t have an opportunity.”
The Vikings wasted no time setting the tone in the first quarter. Clark led the offense, single-handedly scoring 17 points worth of layups, free throws, and three-pointers. Paly’s relentless defense created turnovers, which turned into transition points. The Vikings ended the quarter with a commanding 19-11 after a spin move and finish by Viking senior Shreyas Shashi.
Viking head coach Jeff LaMere said his team’s defensive performance was key to their success.
“One of our core principles is how we play defense, and I thought we defended well tonight,” LaMere said. “We brought a lot of energy and did a great job creating turnovers that gave us transition points. Whenever your defense can help your offense score, that’s a big help.”
The second quarter saw Palo Alto pull even farther ahead. Clark continued to dominate with strong drives to the basket, and Viking sophomore Justin Fung added a three-pointer to widen the gap. Despite Fremont’s efforts, the Vikings once again held strong on defense, leading to a halftime score of 38-15.
The Firebirds struggled to match Paly’s pace but remained determined to put up a fight. Fremont head coach Anthony Kikuta said his team stayed resilient despite the tough matchup.
“We are really doing our best to just try to be competitive. I think there’s a talent disparity, obviously,” Kikuta said. “Even when we were losing, they fought hard and continued to compete through the end.”
The Vikings maintained control in the third quarter, led by various layups and free throws from Clark who was fouled shooting a three-pointer. Although Fremont managed to score a few times, Paly’s attack extended their lead to 56-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
According to LeMere, the Vikings could have adjusted better to the Firebirds’ changes in strategy.
“In the second half, we got sloppy with our offensive execution,” LeMere said. “Some of that had to do with Fremont. They changed up some defenses, and we need to react better to changes.”
The Vikings weren’t as consistent when finding open shots during the fourth quarter, but regained momentum as additional baskets scored by Viking sophomore Justin Fung and Viking junior Iverson Lee secured the 68-37 victory.
Kikuta said this game was a learning experience for the Firebirds.
“It was a great introduction to us in terms of what it takes to be successful and to be a good basketball team,” Kikuta said.
According to Clark, he is confident that the Vikings will make a deep run this season.
“Last year we came a little bit short,” Clark said. “The main thing that we’re trying to get towards is obviously win CCS and also win our league. I think those are things that we’re definitely going to achieve this season.”
The Palo Alto Vikings will play the Lowell Cardinals (3-3) at 6 p.m. Saturday at Lowell High School.
