Dons come out on top in cross-town hoop action Dons come out on top in cross-town hoop action (February 04, 2005)

Exciting match-up goes into overtime, ends 50-47
by Heidi Massie and Lori Nielsen

Spirited fans packed the Amador Valley High School gym Saturday night looking for an exciting cross-town rivalry boys varsity basketball game. The Falcons and Dons did not disappoint, with Amador winning 50-47.

Foothill came out strong and took the lead 10-7 in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Amador pushed ahead adding 18 points to the board, while the Falcons posted 10. Senior Eric Pang sank a last second 3-pointer, giving the Dons a 25-20 lead going into halftime.

Play continued to be strong in the third period. Amador was unable to hit any field goals in the fourth quarter, but free throws kept them ahead. Foothill's Bryce Alvari hit a clutch 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in regulation to push the game into overtime.

With four seconds left in OT, the sophomore guard's second of two free throws didn't fall. Pang then sank two free throws to secure the 50-47 win for the Dons. Amador Valley is now tied for first place with San Ramon Valley in EBAL league play.

"Rival games are always crazy," said Mike Batty, Amador Valley forward. "This is huge. No matter what happens the rest of the season, if we beat our cross-town rivals, we're happy."

Sophomore Alvari was the Falcons leading scorer with a team-high 18 points. Junior Brian McDonough had 12.

High scorers for the Dons were Mike Batty with 19 and Eric Pang with 10.

The girls varsity game also went into overtime, with the Dons winning 56-55. In JV action, the Falcons came out on top, and frosh games were split with Amador winning the girls and Foothill the boys.

Foothill and Amador will have their final league face-off at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, at Foothill.
Boys Soccer

Amador varsity boys soccer team, which just a week ago was in first place, lost its second straight league match as it fell to Monte Vista 1-0. It was an even match until the 63rd minute when the Monte Vista offense chipped a goal into the Dons net for a 1-0 victory. Amador fought back with a couple of chances to tie the score but left Monte Vista with a disappointing loss. The Dons dropped to third place with three games left for a shot at a second league championship.
Boys Frosh Soccer

In its final home game of the season, Foothill freshman boys soccer team got a huge win over Livermore 4-0, with 11 Falcon players getting shots on goal. The final score of the match came off Scott Sweetnan's defensive play, with Nathan Weber and David Harlind in on the run. A pass to M.J. Oh led to a one-on-one showdown with the Livermore keeper. Oh won the duel with a shot into the right lower corner of the net for the game.
Boys Wrestling

The defending league champion Falcons varsity boys wrestling team won nine of 14 matches over San Ramon Valley last week for a 45-20 victory. Foothill, now 3-0 in the East Bay Athletic League, 8-0 overall, is looking to again bring home a title. At 103 pounds, Kellen Aura pinned his opponent in a time of 1:48. Teammate Derek Buffi also made a quick pin in the 112-pound weight class; 130-pounder Gary Mancini, with a bandaged nose, defeated his opponent 14-1.
Schedule
Friday Boys Soccer Foothill vs. Monte Vista; 4 p.m. Amador at Livermore; 4 p.m.
Girls Basketball Amador vs. San Ramon Valley; 7 p.m.
Tuesday Girls Soccer Foothill vs. Granada; 4 p.m. Amador vs. California; 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball Foothill at San Ramon Valley; 7 p.m.
Girls Wrestling Amador at California; 7 p.m.
Boys Wrestling Amador at California; 7 p.m. Foothill at Granada; 7 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Soccer Foothill at Granada; 4 p.m. Amador at California; 4 p.m.
Girls Basketball Foothill vs. San Ramon Valley; 7 p.m.
Thursday Girls Soccer Foothill vs. Amador; 4 p.m.
Girls Wrestling Amador vs. Foothill; 7 p.m.
Boys Wrestling Amador vs. Foothill; 7 p.m.
Friday Boys Soccer Foothill at Amador; 4 p.m.
Boys Basketball Foothill vs. Monte Vista; 7 p.m. Amador vs. Livermore; 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball Amador at Livermore; 7 p.m. Foothill vs. Monte Vista; 7 p.m.

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