UPDATE: The Valencia Vikings boys’ basketball team has kicked off the season with a stunning three consecutive victories, showcasing their potential as strong contenders this year. The latest triumph came on November 18, 2023, when they defeated Agoura, 63-53, at Heritage Christian High School.
The Vikings, led by head coach Greg Fontenette, have already outperformed last year’s start, reflecting a renewed determination. After overcoming Heritage Christian with a close 70-65 win, the team has gained significant momentum heading into the season.
Coach Fontenette expressed confidence in his team’s direction, stating, “The Heritage win really gave us some momentum going into the Calabasas game.” Despite acknowledging that their offense struggled, he highlighted the contributions from key players like Noah Trevino and Issac Michel-Zavala who found ways to impact the game even when their scoring was down.
In the gripping opener against Heritage Christian, victory was clinched by a game-winning play from Romel McCoy, who scored five points and grabbed two rebounds. Ali Eldein led the Vikings with 18 points, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience.
Fontenette emphasized the importance of defense, stating, “We focused on the defensive part of the ball, which kept us in the game and within striking distance.” This defensive strategy proved vital as they transitioned into the match against Calabasas, where the Vikings scored an impressive 70 points.
In the Calabasas game, Michel-Zavala led the scoring with 19 points and six rebounds, while teammate Steve Irons recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Fontenette praised his players for maintaining focus amid rising expectations, reminding them to take the season “one game at a time.”
The Vikings are gearing up for more challenges as they face tough competition from teams like Chaminade and Taft, both of whom made the Division 1 playoffs last season. Fontenette believes that these matchups will prepare his team for the rigorous Foothill League competition, which he considers among the best in Southern California.
“We are young, but teaching them how to navigate through life is about stacking good days. If we do that, we’re going to have a good season,” Fontenette added, emphasizing the importance of experience in building a competitive team.
As the Vikings continue their winning streak, they are set to play against the Pilibos Eagles in another tournament game on November 20, 2023. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and fans are eager to see how far this promising squad can go in the season ahead.
Stay tuned for more developments as the Valencia Vikings strive for greatness on the court!
