The varsity boys basketball team opened their winter season at the 64th annual Pacific Shores tournament at Redondo Union High School starting on Monday, November 23.
The Jackrabbits lit up the floor in the first three games of the tournament, beginning with a (48-42) win against Campbell Hall, a (62-59) win against Inglewood, and a (55-48) win against Roosevelt but eventually fell short in the tournament’s championship round against the host, Redondo Union, with a (64-49) loss.
“I think we did pretty well but we still have a lot of work to do as far as building team chemistry,” said senior guard and forward Garrison Gowens. “We just have to play to win and learn how to not play for ourselves, but as a team.”
Junior forward Zafir Williams, who lead the Jackrabbits in points, was named both Player of the Game and Most Outstanding Player for the championship game. Williams had to step up a lot to compensate for centers John Duff and Myles Johnson being out due to transfer rules and an injury. Both are expected to return in late January.
There are new leaders on the team with captains Harrison Bonner, Drew Buggs, and Reuben Williams.
“It feels really good to be named one of the captains so I’m just trying to improve everyday,” said senior point guard Reuben Williams.
“I enjoy being a leader and having my teammates look up to me. This is my third year starting on varsity, my second as captain. I have won a CIF championship and I know what it takes to win so I embrace the role of teaching the underclassmen,” said senior star guard Drew Buggs.
During Poly’s third game against Roosevelt, Buggs injured his knee leaving the Jackrabbits without one of their captains and top scorers on the court.
“Drew is a big part of us winning but we can pick it up off at the bench and come out on top,” said Gowens.
The Jackrabbits will be on the court once again this Wednesday, December 16, in the Tarkanian Classic tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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