Rangers go 1/2 against crosstown rivals

By: Tyler Stark

Last week Redwood Men’s basketball faced crosstown rivals Mount Whitney and El Diamante in what could end up being defining moments in the East Yosemite League title chase.

 Last Tuesday’s matchup saw a packed house ready to see the Rangers take on the Pioneers.

The Rangers delivered a massive victory to the packed house as they defeated Mount Whitney 46-44. The game was razor close from start to finish  Neither team was really able to create a lot of separation at any point. The game would eventually come down to guard Matthieu Moza ‘23 getting fouled with about two seconds left on the clock.

Moza would sink both of those to clinch the game for Redwood and bring home a massive win. Moza said hitting both free throws felt great.

“It felt great I stepped up knowing I was gonna hit them and was ready to get back on defense.”

 The two free throws were massive. Hitting those against Mount Whitney was huge for Moza and huge for Redwood.

On Friday the Rangers would once again take the court at home in front of a packed house against El Diamante. Unfortunately,  for Redwood, the game would end in disappointing fashion.
Redwood would go on to lose 41-34 in a game that saw the Rangers never really get into a rhythm and commit some errors. 

Zeke Keers ‘23 said El Diamantae’s rebounding, along with his team’s lack of defense behind the three-point line cost his team the win.

“I would say El diamantés rebounding helped push them over the edge on top of getting lots of open 3 looks.”

 Keers goes on to say in order for his team to win the league they will need to win out.

“In order to earn that number 1 spot in the league we need to win the rest of our games and I think we’re very capable as long as we play smart and play to our abilities.”

 From this point forward the Rangers are going to have to play the best basketball they’ve played all season night in and night out if they want to earn themselves a league title. 

Guard Elijah Costas ‘25 finds himself in a very interesting spot. Costas finds himself as the starting point guard for the Rangers as an underclassmen. Costas says the role is exciting but comes with high expectations.

“Starting as a sophomore is really exciting but also puts pressure knowing my team is counting on their starting point guard.”

In regards to the matchup with El Diamante on Friday Costas says his team did not move the ball around effectively.

“We needed to move the ball around a lot faster to break their defense  and communicate more on offense and also on defense.”

With the season winding down guard Evan Galley ‘24 believes holding onto leads will be key to finishing the season off strong.

 “We need to be better and keep out leads because we constantly get a big lead and give it away a few minutes later. Also, we need to play better as a team and learn how each other plays a lot better. Once we do this I think we’ll be way better.”

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