By Vincent PAGE

In their first game since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, a player many idolized growing up, and eight others on Sunday, the CV Falcons boys’ basketball team hosted the Glendale Nitros on Tuesday. After defeating the Nitros soundly just two weeks ago by a score of 66-43, the Falcons had a much tougher showing this time around.

The game started the way Falcons fans would have hoped. Despite some early mistakes and sloppy play, CVHS pounced ahead to an 8-2 lead almost immediately. Multiple traveling violations and turnovers in the first quarter could have cost the Falcons, but they were sharp enough on the defensive side to limit Glendale’s offense. By the end of the first quarter, the Falcons were holding onto a 15-5 lead.

In the second quarter, the Falcons switched things up on defense. After playing their expected defense in the first quarter, they began a full court press against the Nitros. This was effective whenever used, causing problems for Glendale throughout the game. CVHS was in charge for most of the second quarter, but a late run by Glendale made it a 20-15 Falcons’ lead going into halftime.

This game was unlike the one played earlier this month in Glendale when the Falcons’ offense was lethal throughout. A huge part of that offensive explosion was Tyler Carlson, who accounted for 29 points in the teams’ previous matchup. However, he went scoreless in the first half on Tuesday.

Despite an uncharacteristically low-scoring night for Carlson, he still proved clutch for the Falcons in the second half. After a 5-0 scoring run from Glendale to tie the game, Carlson was fouled and stepped up to both of his free throws. Moments later, he hit a wild turn-around three-point shot as the shot clock expired. It seemed like the Carlson Show was finally beginning.

But he wouldn’t catch ignite and CV and Glendale would trade baskets throughout the rest of the third quarter.

Glendale held onto a 31-30 lead going into the final period and the two teams continued attacking on offense. CVHS was down 42-39 with just over three minutes to go when they brought back the full court press. The Falcons stole the inbound pass and quickly laid it in, adding an and-one free throw to tie the game at 42. With just over two minutes to go, CVHS had another steal on an inbound pass and converted it to two fast points again to break the tie.

Then Glendale had the best 15-second sequence they could hope for with a huge block on the defensive end followed up with a three-pointer to take a 47-46 lead going into the final minute of the game.

The Falcons would go on to ice the game at the free throw line. Carlson made two fouls shots to take the lead, and the Falcons would never let go of it. With 12 seconds to go and a two-point lead, CV was able to complete a long inbound pass for an easy layup to cinch their victory over Glendale.

The Falcons now have three games left on their regular season schedule. They’ll face Muir, Hoover and then rival Arcadia to round out the year. They’re a near lock for the CIF playoffs but, if they hope to capture a Pacific League title, they’ll need to sweep these final three games: something the Falcons are more than capable of.

  Vincent PAGE