Warriors boys basketball finish pre-league with three straight wins

FALLBROOK – With a record of 12-6, the Fallbrook boys varsity basketball team is ready to start league play after winning their last three games, defeating Ramona and Carlsbad at home and Oceanside on the road by wide margins. Outstanding defense was consistent throughout each game, holding their opponents to 44 or fewer points.

“I was really happy with the effort on the defensive end. We held Carlsbad to 36 points and that shows how hard the whole team was working defensively. Players rarely get recognized for defense, but as a team, we realize that is going to be our calling card,” said head coach Jeff Brandow.

The Warriors are led by co-captains, senior Danny Bashara and junior Seth Jorde, along with starters senior Kyle Hoganson, junior Alex Askew and sophomore Garrett Maclean. Other team members include four seniors, Daniel Gonzalez, Spencer Merchat, Daniel Taylor and Steven West, and two juniors, Eli Walker and Andrew Johnson.

Assistant coaches include Russ Keith, John Kroeger and Mike West. Keeping the boys healthy is school athletic trainer Lacey Troth.

The Warriors are off to the school’s best start for the program in years. They won the Morro Bay Invitational championship, defeating state-ranked Atascadero and finished second to state-ranked La Costa Canyon High School in the North Classic Invitational last month.

Fallbrook began league play this week. On Wednesday, they placed San Marcos and on Friday they will face off against Mission Hills. The Warriors are hoping to take advantage of the home crowd for a quick start.

“Our fans are the best, they really are,” said Brandow. “We have kids that care and they are helping our team. It makes a great environment.”

The game time on Friday is 7:30 p.m.