Paloma Valley tops rival Heritage in boys basketball, 53-42

Paloma's Mathew Monsanto, Heritage's Victory Joice compete for a loose ball. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

By Parker Costin, Correspondent

Paloma Valley High School’s boys basketball team improved its record to 4-1 with an impressive victory over Heritage High School Tuesday night, 53-42.

Taeshawn Armstrong was the Wildcats’ leading scorer with 12 points on the night and 4 rebounds. He couldn’t have done it alone; Devin McFall put up 9 points and 3 rebounds, which helped the Wildcats to keep on the offensive.

The Wildcats put up great shots from beyond the arc with 7 three-pointers, which was a reason behind their offensive success. Passing the ball was also a great look for them and they showed great selflessness with 10 assists in total on the night.

The Wildcats looked great on the defensive side as well, putting up a total of 3 blocks and 13 defensive rebounds, which then led to great takeaway opportunities for easy buckets. Their top defender of the night was Christopher Helms, who had a defensive stat line of 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. The Wildcats’ defense might have been too defensive, as this led to 7 fouls on the night.

The Patriots’ top scorer on the night was Aidyn Hendricks, who looked great with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Hendricks would also go on to be the Patriots’ top defensive player as well with 4 defensive rebounds and 1 steal.

Paloma Valley looks to continue on a high note when the Wildcats play at California Military Institute on Thursday night. The Rough Riders have a record of 4-4. Meanwhile, the Patriots look to bounce back from Tuesday’s loss when they take on the Panthers at Corona High on Thursday night.

 Taeshawn Armstrong sets up for a shot for Paloma Valley. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

Heritage's Aidyn Hendricks (22) reaches for a pass in the lane. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Victory Joice drives past Taeshawn Armstrong during Tuesday's game. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

Rey Rivas tries to get pas a Heritage High defender. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Erick Fernando of Paloma looks to score over Heritage's Anthony Contreras. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)