Harker News Online thanks Dan Molin, Greg Lawson and the staff of Winged Post/Talon for updates and information in this story.
Final Update: Feb. 29, 2012
The boys basketball team pushed their game to the end Tuesday night at Menlo as they went down 68-44 to Sacred Heart Prep in semifinal play. Senior Vik Jain had a team high 13 points and fellow senior Stephen Hughes added 7. First quarter scoring was slow, ending up at 19-6, with Harker already fighting to stay in the game; the half ended 52-21 and the rest of the game was of that ilk, ending with a loss for the team but a win for the school over all with this historical break into the upper brackets of the playoffs.
“On behalf of the boys, the athletic department would like to thank the large, raucous Harker crowd (which out-numbered Prep’s crowd) in attendance as well as the entire school community for their support,” said Dan Molin, athletic director. “It was another great Harker High School event last night; those in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the competitive atmosphere. Great job to senior Zach Ellenberg for leading the student-body cheers!” Go Eagles!
Update: Feb. 27, 2012
The boys basketball team made history Saturday as they defeated Soquel High School in the CCS quarterfinals 62-59 in front of a large supportive Eagle crowd at Menlo School. This marks the first time in Harker basketball history we’ve qualified for the semifinal round which will take place Tuesday versus league rival Sacred Heart Prep 7:15 at Menlo School. The boys mentioned the fan support was a significant factor in assisting with the victory, so please come support your basketball Eagles as they try to qualify for Friday’s finals at Santa Clara University.
Special to Harker News Online from Greg Lawson
Update: Feb. 24, 2012
The boys varsity basketball team won last night, 61 to 43, in CCS round two play. Harker trailed at the end of the first quarter, 15-13, and then went on a consistent run that made the score 60-35 at one point. Junior Spenser Quash came off the bench to pour in 16 points to lead all scorers. Junior Nikhil Panu had 15 points and six rebounds, and senior Stephen Hughes played a marvelous game at the point and scored 12 points and dished out seven assists. So the boys move on to play Soquel Sat., Feb. 25, at Menlo, to see if they can improve on their 17-8 record. Game time is 2:45 p.m. Harker fans turned out for the earlier game – a good mix of parents, students and teachers – but the team can really use support on Saturday! There is a required charge for CCS games: $8 adults, $3 students. Click here for the bracket.
Girls lost a heartbreaker at Sacred Heart Prep, 53-49. Harker led at the half and the score was tied at the end of three quarters but the second-seeded Gators proved too much for the Lady Eagles in the end. Junior Daniza Rodriguez led the way with 19 points. Sophomore Nithya Vemireddy added 11 points and 15 rebounds to the cause, and junior Priscilla Auyeung had nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The Eagles finish their season with a 17-10 record.
Posted Feb. 23, 2012 By Dan Molin
Boys basketball had a successful break earning one of the most significant victories in Harker hoops history as they defeated previously unbeaten and first-place Pinewood on their home court and senior night. The 68-62 victory was a significant factor in attaining a very respectable number seven seed in the CCS tournament and a first round bye. The boys will host Stevenson School at 7 tonight at Blackford in the second round of CCS. There is a required charge for CCS games: $8 adults, $3 students. Click here for the bracket.
Girls basketball also had an outstanding break earning a huge victory over Mercy-Burlingame 41-39 in the WBAL Tournament. Mercy had previously beaten our girls twice in the regular season but our Lady Eagles came through when it counted most. The victory earned our girls the right to play five-time state champion Pinewood the next night, which we lost but prepared our girls well for the CCS tournament. In the first-round CCS game Tuesday our girls defeated Greenfield 57-38, behind 21 points and nine rebounds from Nithya Vemireddy, grade 10. The girls travel to Sacred Heart Prep tonight, Thursday, for a second round matchup. Click here for the bracket.
Please congratulate and send good luck wishes to wrestlers Darian Edvalson, grade 10, and Corey Gonzales, grade 9, for qualifying to the CCS tournament this Friday and Saturday at Independence High School. Edvalson in the 160-lb weight class and Gonzales in the 106-lb class qualified by placing fifth in the league tournament.
GO EAGLES!