Linfield Christian has too much firepower for Santa Rosa boys

Century Castle goes up for a shot against Linfield Christian Thursday night. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

Santa Rosa Academy’s boys basketball team lost 75-27 to the undefeated Linfield Christian Lions Thursday night.

Head coach Tom Crunk said that going into the game they knew they would be facing a big, tough competitor, seeing as Linfield’s record creates quite the reputation. With a 27-3 first-half score, Linfield’s reputation seemed to be affecting the Rangers.

“You’re going to be overmatched, but you still have to play hard,” said Crunk. “The score doesn’t really reflect how hard my guys played though, because Linfield is 13-0 for a reason.”

Early foul trouble for center Century Castle meant he (as one of their tallest players) was out for a chunk of the game, contributing just 2 points.

“In the first half I think there was a total of 27 fouls called both ways; it was an aggressive game,” Crunk said. “But when you’re playing an aggressive team, you can go out and foul and it can get you in trouble.”

Senior guard Dylan Sapong moved the ball for the team in spite of the Lions’ tough defense and height, adding 6 points on the night to the Rangers’ stat sheet, and Crunk said he was a big asset to the team in the game, as usual.

Anthony Garlington, a senior as well, had 2 steals and 6 points -- including one of just two Ranger 3-pointers on the night.

Also with 6 points was senior Justin York, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter.

Crunk is happy this matchup is over for the season and said there’s a lot to be gained in playing a top-caliber team like Linfield.

“I’m expecting for us to do very well in league this year. We won’t be seeing the likes of Linfield again, but it’s a great way to show us our weaknesses,” Crunk said. “We’re looking forward to a very successful league coming back as defending champions.”

On Friday, Santa Rosa will continue league play in an away game at Desert Christian Academy at 6:30 p.m.

Santa Rosa Academy players double team a Linfield Christian opponent. (Photo by Rick Rowell)