By Greg Hancock
 Perrotta |
The Los Altos High boys basketball team lost its season opener, falling 53-45 at Del Mar Nov. 29, but the Eagles are optimistic about their chances of returning to respectability under second-year coach James Reilly.
“I was impressed by how well we played,” said starting center Brett Perrotta. “We’re in better shape than last year and we’re turning the ball over a lot less than last year.”
With an infusion of new players, the team attitude seems to have improved this year.
“The guys who are coming up from JV are used to winning,” said Perrotta, one of five seniors on a squad that missed the playoffs last season. “They have the mentality to win games and practice hard every day, so I think it’ll really help.”
Perrotta did what he could to help the Eagles’ cause in last week’s opener, scoring a game-high 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds. The 6-foot-4 returnee will certainly be a key component for Los Altos both on and off the court. Calm yet determined, Perrotta has emerged as a team leader.
With Perrotta and 6-3 junior Erik Johnson in the post, the Eagles didn’t take long to establish their inside prowess against a smaller Del Mar team. The pair dominated the paint and kept the game close.
Johnson, playing his first varsity game, scored all 12 of his points in the second half, including a 6-for-8 effort from the foul line.
“He (Johnson) was a big asset last year on JV, and he’s improved a lot,” Perrotta said of Johnson. “I think with us both down low, it’s going to give other teams less of an opportunity to double team.”
In addition to Perrotta and Johnson scoring in double figures, Justin Arcune scored 10 points, including a 2-for-5 showing from 3-point land.
Getting to the foul line was a major theme of the game - especially for the Eagles. They shot a whopping 31 free throws against the Dons, connecting on 19. Del Mar made 11 of 16 shots from the stripe.
The difference in the game, however, was Del Mar’s ability to get to the line when it really mattered - the fourth quarter. The Dons went 10 of 14 on free throws in the period. This accounted for more than half of their total points (18) in the final quarter.
Los Altos started stronger than it finished. The Eagles led at halftime, but their offense sputtered in the second half against the Dons, who beat the Eagles last season as well.
After a sluggish first quarter, Los Altos stormed back with a more confident offensive flow in the second quarter to lead 21-20 at intermission. That would be the last lead the Eagles would enjoy, as they were outscored 33-24 by the Dons the rest of the way. Del Mar finished with three players scoring double-figure points.
Los Altos bounced back from the loss by beating Harker 49-43 Thursday in San Jose.
The Eagles’ starting post players, Perrotta and Johnson, led the way with 18 and 10 points, respectively.
“It was hard to play back-to-back nights, and I’m pleased with our effort and the win,” Reilly said. “We rebounded very well and played an excellent game in the paint. We got off to a great start, and although we tired in the second half, we were able to make the important plays late in the game.”
Los Altos is scheduled to meet Gunn at 8 p.m. today in the first round of the Burlingame Tournament. The tourney runs through Friday.
