Atherton, CA- The long awaited return of Menlo Men's Basketball inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion was officially a success as the Oaks took down the visiting Simpson Red Hawks 85-63. It was a slow start for coach Rooney's squad as their normally efficient offense took some time to find their groove resulting in a low scoring, 27-22 lead at the half. Yet, once play resumed it was all Menlo for the final 20 minutes of action. During the second half the team scored 58 points, shot 72% from the field and outscored Simpson by 17 points. It's been 23 days since the teams last home game and they made sure to protect their house and pick up the win!
Nick High's Stock Continues to Skyrocket
Coming into this season Nick High had spent all summer long in the gym working on his craft. The long hours of weights, jump shots and conditioning have clearly been worthwhile as the forward has not just played but excelled in coach Rooney's system. Over his last three outings, High was averaging 14.6 points and 7. 6 boards. As the first half ended he had not scored or even attempted a field goal. Thankfully, the first 14 minutes of the second half would be the "Nick High Show". High went on to score 20 points and shoot 8-9 from the field including knocking down two threes. As his breakout season continues, High will look to assert himself as one of the most versatile players in the conference.
Whole Team Chips In
Across the board plenty of Oaks found ways to contribute on both ends of the floor. Senior Kaito Williams played arguably his most efficient game of the season. His final boxscore included 11 points, two assists, four boards and 3-4 shooting from beyond the arc. While High led the second half surge with his 20 points, Williams also caught fire as he hit all three of his three point attempts. Most importantly, as one of the teams lead guards he didn't commit a single turnover emphasizing the strong sense of pace he played with.
In the middle Landon Seaman "quietly" scored 17 points and snagged a game high 13 rebounds. Given that his 17 points technically tied a season low in scoring for the big man just drives home the point that he is in the midst of an outstanding offensive outburst. His 13 boards were a season high and mark the second double-double of the year for Seaman.
At the power forward position the duo of Kareem Rowe and Julius Alcantara combined for 37 minutes, 12 points and nine rebounds. The two provide a unique combination given their respective styles of play. Rowe plays with a sense of physicality that the team needs on defense and the glass. He had multiple put back attempts thanks to his work on the offensive boards. Alcantara plays with an unassuming quietness that is defined by his work as a cutter and roller. Alcantara is often simply "in the right place at the right time" more often than not which is how he scored his five points in the afternoon.
Up Next…
While Thanksgiving break is on the way, Menlo Men's Basketball will take the court this coming Tuesday against UC Santa Cruz for another road matchup. The Oaks last played the Banana Slugs last season at home which resulted in a 97-76 win for Menlo. Riding a four game win streak, the Oaks will look to make it five straight before enjoying some much deserved time off for the holidays.
