Boys Basketballs Save Against Alisal High

In a Preseason matchup against Alisal, the Soledad High Aztecs boys basketball team took the court for play. Coming off a tough loss against Alvarez last week, we appear to be looking at a charged up Aztec team coming in the near future. In the first half of the game, the Aztecs just couldn't put it together to maintain a lead against the Trojans. Led by Junior Point Guard Isaac Lopez, the Aztecs came to the court after halftime completely energized and ready to compete.

Billy Hollman, who finally came alive after being quiet for the first few games, had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, along with Lopez who also had an 11 point night. Beto Tinajero, a Junior who was brought up this season, had a decent night racking up 9 points and 5 rebounds.

However, the key player of the night was Senior Samuel Caldera. Caldera, who went without a point in the first half, came back in the second half with a hot hand. Caldera had three 3-Pointers and a 2 pointer. However, Caldera’s key moment happened in the 4th Quarter when he hit the game-tying 3-pointer. The team then went on to win the game 45-41.

I caught up with Samuel Caldera after the game and asked him how he felt about hitting the game-tying three-pointer and he said: “It was electrifying, I love the energy the crowd and bench brought.” It's safe to say we will be seeing a lot more of Caldera throughout the season. This coming weekend the Aztecs will travel to North County for a tournament.

Photographed by Jasmin Garcia