Basketball Recap: Esperanza Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Jackson Fries and Vincent Garza

Esperanza suffered their closest defeat since November 25, 2024 on Friday. They fell just short of the Brea Olinda Wildcats by a score of 53-50. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Aztecs have suffered against the Wildcats since January 25, 2022.

Despite the defeat, Esperanza had strong showings from Vincent Garza, who posted 12 points and eight boards, and Jackson Fries, who had 13 points. Garza is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last four games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Luke McFarland, who earned six points.

Leading Brea Olinda to victory were Elijah Sanchez and Carson Tracey. Sanchez went 7 of 8 on his way to 17 points and three steals, while Tracey went 6 of 13 on his way to 13 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Those three steals gave Sanchez a new career-high. Nick Chamberlain was another key player, putting up six points and nine boards.

Esperanza dropped their record down to 12-6 with the loss, which was their third straight at home. As for Brea Olinda, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games, which provided a massive bump to their 10-9 record this season.

Esperanza will challenge San Juan Hills at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in San Juan Hills' favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last 12 matches. As for Brea Olinda, they will face off against Sunny Hills at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Sunny Hills is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 54.3 points per game this season.