UPDATE: In a gripping showdown, the Aptos boys basketball team fell to Half Moon Bay, 55-37, in the third-place game of the 12th annual Aptos High/Santa Cruz Warriors NorCal Invitational at Kaiser Permanente Arena on January 10, 2024. This loss marks a challenging moment for the Mariners, who aimed for a stronger finish on their home turf.
Senior star Gio Garduno-Martin led the Mariners with 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome an early deficit. Aptos struggled significantly, trailing 15-2 after the first quarter and 28-11 at halftime. Junior Levi Race added 15 points, while teammates Jack Tovani, Caden Bogle, and Sean Mullen made notable contributions with solid rebounds and defense.
Despite narrowing the gap to just 10 points early in the fourth quarter, the Mariners couldn’t maintain momentum. Coach Joseph Smith expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating,
“I thought we improved as a team over the course of the tournament.”
This sentiment reflects the resilience Aptos displayed throughout the competition.
In other tournament highlights, Willow Glen clinched the championship title by defeating Pioneer 63-58, while St. Mary’s of Stockton edged past Los Gatos 76-73 in the consolation championship. Willow Glen’s Brayden Gumabo was named tournament MVP, with several Aptos players, including Garduno-Martin and Race, earning spots on the all-tournament team.
Looking ahead, Aptos (4-8) will face Watsonville (3-5) this Friday at 7 p.m., aiming to bounce back and gain momentum as the season progresses.
This tournament showcased not just the skills of the athletes but also their determination to grow and improve, making the upcoming games crucial for the Mariners. Fans and supporters are eager to see how the team will respond in their next matchup.
