The Acalanes Dons pushed their score all the way to 62 on Friday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They fell 72-62 to Ygnacio Valley. While losing is never fun, Acalanes can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 470th, while Ygnacio Valley is ranked 112th).
Acalanes' defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Gavin Dodge, who scored 20 points along with six rebounds, and Maddox Malm who scored 13 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Dodge continues to roll, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Ian Salmon, who scored nine points.
Leading Ygnacio Valley to victory were Evan McKnight and Antonio Kellogg Jr. McKnight scored 19 points along with eight rebounds and two blocks, while Kellogg Jr scored 21 points along with five rebounds and five steals. Kellogg Jr hasn't dropped below 15 points for nine straight games. Another player making a difference was Todd Tatom Jr, who scored 13 points.
Acalanes has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost nine of their last ten matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-16 record this season. As for Ygnacio Valley, the victory was the eighth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 18-5.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Acalanes will stay at home for another game and welcome College Park at 7:30 p.m. on January 29th. Ygnacio Valley will take on Benicia at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
