The second round of Channel League play means a new beginning for the San Marcos boys basketball team.
Elijah Johnson drives to the hoop against Buena’s Taylor Sturgeon. Johnson scored 31 points in the Royals’ win. (Cummingsproductions.com)
Elijah Johnson helped the Royals avenge a first-round loss to Buena, pouring in 31 points in a 73-55 win at the Thunderhut on Friday night. They lost to the Bulldogs by two points in their first meeting.
San Marcos is 2-3 in league and 13-6 overall. Buena is 2-3, 10-9.
San Marcos needed Johnson to step up because Bryce Ridenour didn’t play because of an injury.
“Elijah had a great night shooting easy mid-range jumpers off of penetration from our guards,” San Marcos coach Dave Odell said. “What’s more, with Ridenour out, Johnson was assigned to Buena’s leading scorer, Cory Poe. Elijah’s defense has improved considerably, and I felt confident that his on-ball defense of Poe would be a factor.”
It was, as Poe was held to two points. San Marcos, meanwhile, opened up a 19-point lead by halftime.
Several other Royals picked up their scoring production as well. Marcus Alvarado scored 11 points, Christian Widmer had 10, Scott Everman 8 and Tyson Miller 7.
“With about 30 percent of our scoring on the bench with Bryce out, I challenged these guys to have a more-attack mindset as they were going to have to share the scoring load,” said Odell.
Marcos Alvarado scored 11 points for the Royals.
“I could not have been more pleased with Marcus Alvarado,” the coach added. “He had the type of game that we know he’s capable of every time out. Not only was he everywhere on the court, but he also shared the court leadership with Christian Widmer as well”.
Alvarado added 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
Scott Everman, who led the team in rebounds (7) and assists (4) helped the Royals get going in the first quarter, scoring five points.
“Every game we play, Scott gets more comfortable on the varsity level. I believe he will be a big factor for us the rest of the way”.
