UPDATE: The Valencia Vikings boys’ basketball team is making headlines with a strong start to the season, securing three consecutive victories at the Heritage Christian tournament. Under the leadership of head coach Greg Fontenette, the Vikings defeated Heritage Christian (70-65), Calabasas, and most recently the Agoura Chargers with a score of 63-53.
This impressive performance marks a significant turnaround from last season, when the Vikings began with a loss to Calabasas. Fontenette emphasizes that while the team is on the right path, there is still room for improvement. “The Heritage win really gave us some momentum going into that Calabasas game,” he stated.
In the opening game against Heritage Christian, the Vikings secured victory thanks to a last-minute shot from Romel McCoy, who contributed five points and two rebounds. Ali Eldein led the team with 18 points. Despite a rocky start offensively, both Noah Trevino and Issac Michel-Zavala found ways to impact the game, a trend that continued into the match against Calabasas.
Fontenette noted, “Trevino just constantly stayed aggressive and attacking the paint, ultimately leading to the game winner.” He highlighted the team’s defensive focus, which has kept them competitive even when offense is lacking.
The momentum carried over to the match against Calabasas, where the Vikings showcased an improved offensive strategy, scoring 70 points in their triumph. Michel-Zavala led the scoring with 19 points and six rebounds, while Steve Irons recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
As the team looks ahead, Fontenette is keen to keep his players grounded. “My main job as the coach was just trying to keep them level-headed,” he said, reminding the team that the season is long and each game must be approached with focus.
The Vikings’ schedule includes tough opponents such as Chaminade and Taft, both of whom reached the playoffs last year. Fontenette believes that these challenges will prepare his team for the competitive Foothill League, which he describes as one of the top public-school basketball leagues in Southern California.
With a roster primarily composed of juniors and only one senior, Fontenette is committed to exposing his players to high-level competition. “If you want to get to that level, you need to play against that level,” he remarked.
On Saturday, the Vikings continued their winning streak with a 63-53 victory over Agoura, further solidifying their place as a team to watch this season. They are set to face the Pilibos Eagles in another tournament game on Monday.
With their recent successes, the Valencia Vikings are proving they are ready to take on the challenges of the season. Fans and supporters are eager to see how this young team will navigate the upcoming league play as they aim for greatness.
