8TH-GRADE HOOPS: South Valley handles Brownell

The South Valley eighth grade boys basketball team started the
season off on a high note with a 41- 17 victory over rival Brownell
on Tuesday.
The South Valley eighth grade boys basketball team started the season off on a high note with a 41- 17 victory over rival Brownell on Tuesday.

After the teams ended the first quarter tied, the Tigers pulled away strong, allowing only three points in the second quarter and nine points the rest of the game. 

“Solid defense and smart passing was the key to the victory,” South Valley head coach Jared Gamble said. 

The Tigers’ defense forced 10 second half turnovers with Sergio Garcia recording a team-high three steals and Issac Hernandez contributing with two steals and two blocks. 

South Valley’s offense was led by 6-foot-4 captain Miika Smith and point guard Andrew Ortiz. 

Ortiz had six assists to go along with 10 points in the paint and one deep 3- pointer . Smith dominated with 17 points, 10 rebounds and one block that sent an echo through the gym. 

“Ortiz and Smith worked well with each other running the pick and roll like a veteran duo,” Gamble said. 

Adam Charvez and Ramon Gonzales each added two points. 

“I am extremely happy the way the team played. They are an extremely athletic group that feed off each other.” Gamble added.

The Tigers play a pair of San Jose schools, Bernal and Davis, next week.