Following the loss of our Frosh team against Torrence, our Buena Park High School JV boys’ basketball team faced Torrance in their season opener, showcasing determination despite the challenge of limited practice time together. The game started strong for the Coyotes, with junior guard Alan Macias leading an early 5-0 run. Macias hit a pull-up jumper from the elbow and sank a corner three to ignite the team. However, a few turnovers allowed Torrance to gain momentum, and by the end of the first quarter, Torrance held a 10-point lead.
The second quarter was a struggle for both teams offensively. Still, Torrance took advantage of Buena Park’s missed opportunities, extending their lead while the Coyotes were unable to score the entire quarter. As the third quarter began, the pace remained sluggish, though Buena Park managed to put a few points on the board. Still, the game began to feel out of reach, with Torrance leading by more than 20 points heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Torrance dominated, and the game seemed to have only one outcome. However, Buena Park didn’t give up, continuing to fight and make the most of their opportunities. Despite their efforts, the game ended in a Torrance victory (62-18).
Some notable performances by Buena Park were when Alan Macias scored 7 points and 4 steals. Another notable performance came from sophomore Donovan Nguyen, who contributed with 2 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Postgame, I interviewed Donovan Nguyen, our team’s shooting guard. When asked how he approached his role in the team’s first game, Donovan said, “I approached this game with a confident mindset and stayed locked in at all 
times no matter what.” He highlighted the importance of confidence, communication, and poise to keep his teammates focused and build chemistry. When asked about his goals for the season, he shared, “I want to become a better player by being in the gym, working extra hard, and putting up shots. I also want to be a better teammate by being vocal and being a leader on the court and in the huddle.”
Make sure to come to support our boy’s JV basketball team at their next home game on December 20th vs Kennedy!
