UPDATE: The Aptos boys basketball team suffered a tough defeat against Half Moon Bay, losing 55-37 in the third place match of the 12th Annual Aptos High/Santa Cruz Warriors NorCal Invitational at Kaiser Permanente Arena late Wednesday. This significant loss leaves Aptos with a season record of 4-8 as they prepare for their next game.
In a fierce contest, senior Gio Garduno-Martin led the Mariners with 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a strong start from Half Moon Bay, who dominated early by leading 15-2 at the end of the first quarter and 28-11 at halftime. Coach Joseph Smith expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “I was proud of how we competed today against a tough opponent. I thought we improved as a team over the course of the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Half Moon Bay’s junior Levi Meighan contributed 10 points, helping his team clinch the victory and finish the tournament with a record of 5-5. The Mariners managed to cut their deficit to just 10 points early in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience despite the challenging circumstances.
In other tournament highlights, Willow Glen topped Pioneer 63-58 to win the championship, while St. Mary’s of Stockton edged past Los Gatos 76-73 in the consolation finals. Willow Glen’s Brayden Gumabo was named tournament MVP, with standout performances recognized across multiple teams, including Aptos’ Levi Race and Half Moon Bay’s Garduno-Martin making the all-tournament team.
Looking ahead, Aptos will face Watsonville on December 15 at 7 p.m. in an urgent bid to recover from this defeat. The Mariners are eager to turn the tide after this challenging tournament experience.
This tournament showcased intense competition and highlighted the growth of local high school basketball, with teams demonstrating skill and determination. As the season progresses, fans are encouraged to rally behind their teams and support their journeys in the upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates as the basketball season unfolds and teams continue to battle for supremacy!
