American Canyon’s run to begin fourth quarter proves to be difference as they beat Napa in VVAL nail-biter
By Kyle Foster
Follow on X: @NapaKyle @NapaSportsNews
When a few possessions decide a game, the game comes down to the little things. This is even more true when there’s a lot of knowledge between the two teams.
On Thursday night at Messner Gym, American Canyon did the little things a bit better as they beat Napa, 49-44, in a tight Vine Valley Athletic League contest.
The Wolves (16-6 overall, 6-2 VVAL) gained the game’s advantage when they outscored Napa 17-12 in the first quarter. In that period, they overcame a 5-0 deficit when they answered with an 8-0 run of their own to shift the momentum.
American Canyon also began the fourth quarter by going on a 9-0 run that pushed the lead to 10, which was the largest lead anyone held in the game. This was due in large part to playing some of their best defense of the night.
“Defense, that led to everything,” American Canyon head coach Scott Hayburn explained. “Napa played good defense in the half court. So when we’re defending down here and we get some transition opportunities, we’re able to run, take advantage of some scramble drills and mismatches.”
It also helped that they were able to overcome a zone defense, which has made it hard for them to score at times.
Leading the way for the Wolves in the game was Julius Wade. The senior finished with a team-high of 14 points. He scored 8 points in the second half while making one shot from three-point land and going 2 of 2 at the free-throw line.
Jack Turner finished with 12 points as well. The senior guard scored 8 points in the first half and made two three-pointers that both came in the first quarter while converting on both free throws as well.
Others scoring for American Canyon in the game were Abdul Kates (7 points), Jacob Soriano (4 points), and Gabriel Moore (2 points).
Napa (8-14, 3-6 VVAL) seemed to always answer back after an American Canyon run. However, the one thing that may have cost them in this one was missed layups. They had a few layups rim out in the first half and a three-pointer go halfway down and not go in. If these shots go in, the game could’ve been won by them.
“We battled back a bunch of times,” Napa High head coach Carson Carattini said. “We weren’t sharp tonight. I mean, we’re just not sharp. We had four guys score so that’s difficult to win a game when you’re not getting production. It’s right there for us. Two possessions is hardly decided that early in a game. So it’s one of those things we just need to find ways to win and be consistent.”
Another thing that hurt was that they made 6 of 10 free throws. In close games, free throws will help shape the outcome.
Leading the way for the Grizzlies in the game was Eli Mindle. The senior guard finished with a game-leading 19 points with 5 rebounds. Mindle scored 11 points in the second half and made 5 shots from beyond the arc in the game.
“We took care of the ball and got it to him,” Carattini explained. “When you do that, he’s going to find a way to get open and you can see he’s even improving on how quickly he’s getting his shots off. He doesn’t need a lot of space and like you see, he’ll shoot it from anywhere.”
Others scoring for Napa in the game were Christian Williams (9 points, 4 rebounds), Jayden Quintana (7 points, 1 rebound), Gael Bazoungissa (5 points, 6 rebounds), and Will Flynn (2 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocked shots).
Both teams will continue league play on Saturday at 7 pm. Napa will visit Petaluma and American Canyon will host Sonoma Valley.
In the last meetings, Petaluma beat Napa 71-46 and American Canyon beat Sonoma Valley 78-43 in games played on January 10th.
In the other VVAL games on Thursday night, Sonoma Valley beat Vintage 52-36 and Casa Grande beat Petaluma 60-57 in an upset. To view the updated league standings, go here.
