Madrid, Solid Team Play Keys to Paloma's Victory

Paloma Valley High School forward Josh Madrid (24) guards against a Boulder City defender in Monday's tournament game. Photos courtesy of kristijophotography.com

By Daniel Millhouse

Entering the second day of the Winter Shootout Tournament, Paloma Valley High School's boys basketball players came out with more fire in their belly on Monday to pull out a 75-53 victory over the Eagles of Boulder City High from the state of Nevada.

After taking a loss against Valley View High School during the first day of the tournament, the Wildcats (7-6) entered Monday's game with more energy, utilizing a man defense.

Even with that said, the Eagles (5-6) still held close for the first half of play as Paloma Valley had trouble capitalizing on the scoring runs it strung together. At halftime with the score at 29-26, Boulder City was within one shot of tying the game.

Coming out of the locker room after the half, the Wildcats came out even stronger. Paloma Valley’s shots began to fall from the outside, led by senior Demarco Prewitt (25, at left), who sank 3 three-pointers in the third quarter alone.

When asked what the difference was between the first half of play and the dominating second half play by the Wildcats, Paloma Valley coach Michael Pfeiffer answered bluntly, "Shots started falling. It’s as simple as that.

"A lot of times with teenage kids, shots start going through the hoop and it gets easier to play defense. It’s easier to do everything because you’re getting the results."

Not only did the shots fall for Paloma Valley, but when they did miss, they were able to dominate on the offensive boards, thanks to efforts by senior Josh Madrid and sophomore Steven Bradshaw.

Boulder City was outscored 25-11 in the third quarter, but still was far from giving up. Led by senior Austin Wishard, the Eagles’ determined defense started to stand their ground, taking charges at key moments to keep the game from being a clear runaway.

"They’re going to be a scrappy team and they’re going to play hard all the way through," Pfeiffer said of Boulder City. "When you play a Boulder City team, they’re going to make you play for 32 minutes. They’re very well coached."

The physical style of play did not deter the Wildcats. Madrid scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and was a force in the paint. Blake Bouman contributed by sinking 2 of his 3 three-pointers made in the final quarter as well.

Notable performances by the Wildcats include Madrid’s 19 points, and 17 points by both Bouman and Prewitt. Sophomore guard Carson Balistere led Boulder City with 12 points scored.

Pfeiffer said of Madrid’s play, "That’s probably the best game Josh Madrid has ever had. That’s a career game for him."

Tournament play continues today at 1:30 p.m. when Paloma Valley faces Vista Del Lago High School (2-7) for the final round of round robin play.

Paloma Valley guard Blake Bouman pushes the ball upcourt in Monday's victory over Boulder City.