If the DCP Alum Rock Lobos were riding high off their 83-45 takedown of the Waldorf Mavericks last Thursday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. DCP Alum Rock took a 51-45 hit to the loss column at the hands of North Valley Baptist. The result was an unpleasant reminder to DCP Alum Rock of the 39-31 loss they experienced in the two teams' previous head-to-head fixture back in February of 2023.
Despite the loss, DCP Alum Rock still got an impressive performance from Tony Clarida, who dropped a double-double on 22 points and ten rebounds. Clarida has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last four times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Isidro Cigarroa Fores, who scored eight points along with four steals.
Dominic Lara was his usual excellent self, dropping a double-double on 19 points and 11 rebounds for North Valley Baptist. That makes it three consecutive games in which Lara has scored at least a third of North Valley Baptist's points. Ethan Lopez was another key contributor, scoring 15 points along with two steals.
DCP Alum Rock's defeat was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season, which bumped their record down to 5-7. That rough patch could be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they only averaged 29.3 points per game. As for North Valley Baptist, the win makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 3-1.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. DCP Alum Rock will take on East Palo Alto Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. East Palo Alto Academy has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. North Valley Baptist won't have much time to rest: their next game is against KIPP San Jose Collegiate at 6:00 p.m. on January 9th. Hopefully KIPP San Jose Collegiate focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 17 on Monday.
