Illinois High School Basketball - Cruz can't hold off Victoria Soto
December 5, 2024: Chicago, IL 60632 Victoria Soto Wolves (Chicago, IL) boosters left the game satisfied Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad nudge the visiting Cruz Dragons (Chicago, IL), 36-35 in a non-league match.
With the victory, Victoria Soto upgrades its record to 1-0 on the year. The Wolves host ACERO Garcia (Chicago, IL) to face the Patriots in a non-league match on Tuesday, December 10. The Patriots enter the match with a record of 0-2. ACERO Garcia lost 57-17 in their recent non-league match against Kelly (Chicago, IL)
The Dragons now sport a 0-3 record. They put it on the line next when they host Lycee Francais de Chicago for a Lakeshore match on Friday, December 6. Cruz will face a squad coming off a 71-31 league win over British International School of Chicago (Chicago, IL). The record now stands at 3-0.
First Quarter
The game was close after one quarter. Each team scored two field goals. The visitors had the advantage because two of its buckets were 3's. Guillermo Lopez and Tony Macias each had two field goals for Soto, and Enrique Marquez had two steals.
Second Quarter
Cruz jumped to a seven lead at intermission as it outshot the home team six field goals to three. Fortunatley for the Wolf Pack, Marquez and Lopez each had a 3-point basket.
Third Quarter
Soto closed the gap in the 3rd Quarter. Lopez had two steals, two rebounds, and a bucket. Macias hit a three pointer. After starter Favio Hernandez (5 points and 4 rebounds) suffered an ankle injury, Hernan Garcia came off the bench to grab five rebounds and a steal, to block a shot, and to lead the fastbreak. "Hernan's energy made a difference in the game," said Wolves head coach Joe Gatrell. "The team cam alive after he entered in the third quarter."
Fourth Quarter
The Wolf Pack outscored the visitors 13-6 in the final frame. Lopez contributed four points, four rebounds (two offensive!), and a steal. Alex Bahena scored a bucket, grabbed four rebounds, and blocked two shots in the closing minutes. With the only :08 on the clock and the score tied at 34, Gonzalo Sanchez hit a jumper from the left elbow that was the game winner. The visitors went to the free throw line with 0:00 on the clock, but were able to make only one free throw.
