For the first time in
Athenian (Danville) history, the boys basketball team is a CIF state champion with a 67-49 win over
Verdugo Hills (Tujunga) in the Division V title game. Senior
Evan Lucas led the way with 20 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals.
"I knew I was prepared for this game, I’ve been
putting the work in," Lucas said. "This has been my dream my whole life
to come in and play here. I’m glad this was the way to end my high
school career."
"I felt the boys came out like champions," Athenian head coach Jordan Boreman said. "I always tell everybody these
kids are high character kids. They are smart, hardworking, determined
and have very good habits. We are a family."
Athenian senior Evan Lucas scored 20 points as the Owls won the CIF Division V state championship 67-49 over Verdugo Hills at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. (Photo: David Steutel)
Athenian made it through the state bracket by defeating
Mt. Shasta 78-67,
International (San Francisco) 60-57 and
San Domenico (San Anselmo) 57-46 in the NorCal final.
Athenian struck the first big blow with a run to take an 18-10 lead before Verdugo Hills (25-12) scored seven straight points to cut the lead to one.
Lucas then started a scoring spree by hitting a triple and completing a three-point play to take a 26-17 lead. By halftime Athenian led 36-20.
Verdugo Hills cut the lead to single-digits in the third quarter as senior
Georges Abdulnour came up with key baskets.
Abdulnour had 11 points while senior
Jabez Agustin led the Dons with 15 points. Senior
Alexander Martinez tacked on 12 points.
Athenian senior
Kai Xu scored the final bucket in the Owls 67-49 victory.
