UPDATE: The Aptos boys basketball team faced an urgent setback, finishing fourth at the 12th Annual Aptos High/Santa Cruz Warriors NorCal Invitational after a 55-37 defeat to Half Moon Bay on January 3, 2024, at Kaiser Permanente Arena.
Senior standout Gio Garduno-Martin led the Mariners with 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a significant early deficit. The Mariners (4-8 overall) struggled, trailing 15-2 after the first quarter and 28-11 at halftime. Despite narrowing the gap to 10 points early in the fourth quarter, they ultimately fell short.
“I was proud of how we competed today against a tough opponent,” said Mariners coach Joseph Smith. “I thought we improved as a team over the course of the tournament.”
The Cougars’ Levi Meighan contributed 10 points, while Levi Race added 15 points for Half Moon Bay (5-5). Despite the loss, the Aptos team showed resilience throughout the tournament, which attracted considerable local interest.
In the championship matches, Willow Glen triumphed over Pioneer with a score of 63-58, and St. Mary’s of Stockton edged out Los Gatos 76-73 for the consolation title. Brayden Gumabo of Willow Glen was named tournament MVP, with several players from various teams, including Aptos’ Race, earning spots on the all-tournament team.
Looking ahead, Aptos will attempt to bounce back when they face Watsonville (3-5) on Friday at 7 p.m.. Fans are encouraged to support the team as they aim to improve their record.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Aptos Mariners as they continue their season.
