Momentum Building

Monday December 2nd, Mountain View High School's Toros traveled further west to face Maryvale High School's Panthers in what hopes to be a strong season opener for the Toros. Maryville, anticipating a strong change in propulsion after facing difficulties in their prior back-to-back losses this last weekend. 

Jonathan Olden / Bamboo Productions

With the Toros taking charge and receiving the tip off, the first period of the game saw both teams assessing one another, resulting in a slower start. The Toros struggled to break through Maryvale's defense early on, but their own defense kept them in the game. Mountain View was able to capitalize on some early opportunities and finished the first period with a slight lead, 14-10. 

In the second period, the game remained tight. Both teams were slowly shaking off the early nerves and settling into their own rhythms. Panthers #3 Jose Garcia, and #1 Adrian Stubbs, held their own with strong offence and quick defense. The Toros, however, kept up the pressure and managed to claw ahead, leading by 2 points at halftime (24-22). Despite the close score, both teams' defenses were solid, and neither side was able to create a large lead. 

Jonathan Olden / Bamboo Productions

The third period was pivotal for Mountain View. Early on, it seemed like the Panthers might gain more control of the game, but the Toros slowly found their flow and confidence. Their defense remained strong, and #23 Junior, Jackson Woolley took charge on offense, finishing the period with a stunning near half-court 3-pointer that brought the crowd to life. The Panthers ended the third period trailing by just 7 points, 44-37, but with hopeful momentum on their side.

The final quarter was a thrilling one. The Panthers, facing a narrow shortage, fought hard to close the gap, but the Toros' defense proved to be too much. As the game grew closer, the atmosphere in the gym grew tense. Fans and close family members became anxious, standing in and out of their seats. With only 1:18 left on the clock, the Toros held a slight 45-48 lead, and the Panthers were pushing hard to get back into the game. However, #44 Jestin Romero, threw a crucial 3-pointer with less than a minute remaining, effectively sealing the win for Mountain View. His shot and one other pushed the lead to 53-45, and despite the Panthers' best efforts, there was no coming back.

For the Mountain View Toros, this win is a positive start to the season. The victory not only boosts morale but also gives the team much-needed momentum as they head into the tougher matches that lie ahead. With a combination of solid team play and standout individual performances, the Toros showcased their potential early on. Head coach Andy Johnson shared a takeaway starting off this upcoming season; “Lead with Toro pride” he said. As the season progresses, fans are hopeful that this win marks the beginning of a breakthrough year for the Toros, one where they not only compete but truly contend for the top spots.

Jonathan Olden / Bamboo Productions

Maryvale, on the other hand, has a lot to be optimistic about. Garcia and Stubbs, among other players, showed great perseverance and the Panthers' defense was effective at many points throughout the game. However, they will need to improve their offensive consistency to have a better chance of closing out games. This team has room to grow, and their performance was a promising sign for the future.

This season opener set the stage for what could be an exciting and competitive year. With more games ahead, both Mountain View and Maryvale have much to look forward to. Both teams will surely build on the lessons learned in this close matchup. The Toros will aim to enhance their strong defense and offensive execution, while the Panthers will continue to develop their skills, hoping to challenge more teams in the division.