Varsity outplays Fallbrook alumni, 57-44

With the regular season about to begin for the Fallbrook High varsity basketball team, the school hosted its annual alumni game on Wednesday, November 23. Many alumni were present to participate in the fun yet competitive exhibition game.

The current Warriors got off to a quick start and never looked back as they led the entire game. However, the alumni team constantly had short runs to keep Fallbrook head coach Jeff Brandow and his squad active throughout the match. Eventually, the Warriors were victorious, 57-44.

Brandow’s starters kept the team ahead of the very aggressive alumni team. Seth Jorde started at point guard, while facing his two older brothers on the alumni squad. Brandow was pleased with his two starting wing players, Elijah Walker and Joel Lopez. Walker provided consistent defense and energy while Lopez led all scorers with eleven points after knocking down a pair of threes. Alex Askew and Andrew Johnson rounded out the starting lineup.

“It’s just thirty alumni coming back and playing with their family and friends. That’s what this is all about. It’s great for us because it’s our family and we want to see those guys coming back. So it’s a special night,” said Brandow. “It was a very physical game. [Varsity] ended up winning, and I’m proud of that.”

Last year’s team finished with an 18-11 record after losing in the first round of CIF playoffs to the Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns. The success was much due to the scoring ability of Danny Bashara who averaged around twenty points per game. With the graduation of their leading scorer, the Warriors will look to find new playmakers.

Fallbrook will have seven returning varsity players including captains Jorde, Walker, and Askew. Jorde will continue to lead the attack with his ball handling ability and high basketball IQ. Walker has a knack for shutting down opposing teams’ best players with his ability to stay in front of his man. As for Askew, his rebounding ability and much-improved shooting range will be huge keys to the Warriors success. Overall, the team shows much promise for the 2011-2012 season.

Brandow and his team will officially start the season at the Morro Bay Harding Tournament December 1 through the 3. Fallbrook is the defending champ and will hope to repeat.

To comment on this story online, visit http://www.thevillagenews.com.