UPDATE: The Valencia Vikings boys’ basketball team is making headlines with a remarkable start to the season, securing three consecutive victories at the Heritage Christian tournament. Under the leadership of head coach Greg Fontenette, the team is showing signs of strength as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
The Vikings kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 70-65 win against the Calabasas Coyotes on November 25, 2023. This victory follows a narrow win over Heritage Christian, where Romel McCoy delivered a last-second game-winner. Fontenette noted, “The Heritage win really gave us some momentum going into that Calabasas game.” While the team displayed a strong defense, the offensive performance showed room for improvement.
Despite not playing at their best, key players Noah Trevino and Issac Michel-Zavala contributed significantly. Fontenette emphasized their impact: “Trevino just constantly staying aggressive and attacking the paint ultimately led up to him being able to make that pass to Romel for the game winner.”
In the victory against Calabasas, Michel-Zavala led the scoring with 19 points and six rebounds, while Steve Irons recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Fontenette continues to focus on keeping the team grounded, stating, “We still have a long season ahead of us. We need to take everything one game at a time.”
Looking beyond immediate victories, Fontenette is strategically preparing his young roster, which includes only one senior, for the highly competitive Foothill League. He believes that to compete with the best, they must face tough opponents. “If you want to get to that level, don’t you think you need to play against that level?” he stated.
The Vikings are scheduled to face Chaminade and Taft after Thanksgiving, both of whom were Division 1 playoff contenders last year. Fontenette is confident these games will ready his team for league play.
In a decisive match on Saturday, the Vikings defeated the Agoura Chargers 63-53, further solidifying their positive trajectory. As they prepare for another tournament game against the Pilibos Eagles on Monday, the excitement continues to build around the team.
With a focus on development and resilience, Fontenette believes that stacking good days will lead to a successful season for the Vikings. The community is rallying behind the team, eager to see how they will perform as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Valencia Vikings aim for success in their upcoming challenges!
