Earlier in the season, the Giants defeated the San Rafael Bulldogs in overtime by just six points, setting expectations for another close matchup. However, on Monday, Feb. 9, the varsity boys basketball team delivered a decisive 54-36 win over San Rafael in the first round of the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) playoffs.
Following the tipoff, the Giants asserted themselves early with a lead-off three-pointer from junior Max Monterastelli, followed by mid-range jump shots from senior captains Charlie Poser and Richard Byrne. The Bulldogs remained quiet, turning the ball over multiple times, and ultimately resulting in the Giants taking a 15-6 lead at the end of the first 1st quarter.
Both teams exchanged layups and free throws early in the second quarter, with junior Harrington White capping off the Giant’s first-half dominance with two three-pointers. White led the Giants with 17 points by the end of the game, and helped Redwood build momentum early on.
“During the second and third quarter, when I hit those multiple threes, that gave us the energy we needed. [After that], they called a timeout, which was a big boost for us,” White said.
Monterastelli scored 15 points for Redwood while shooting an exceptional 83 percent field goal percentage, and combined with White to score 32 of the team’s 54 total points.
San Rafael struggled to find life as they trailed the Giants for the entire game and were dominated in the paint, unable to get clear shots off without being stopped.
Coming out of the half, the Giants propelled themselves further ahead, scoring 11 points while holding the Bulldogs to just six total points to conclude the third quarter.
The Giants stayed persistent through the second half and took control of the contest by securing an 18-point playoff win. Monterastelli discussed the team’s strategy and successes in their victory.
With the triumphant victory, the Giants secured a spot in the MCAL playoff semifinals and hope to keep their season alive.
”We’re going to carry our momentum by sharing the ball, moving the ball, playing as a team and slowing [Marin Catholic] down: making them play at our pace, not playing at theirs,” White said.
Their next matchup will be on the road versus Marin Catholic on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
“[Marin Catholic] is going to be a tough game. They’re a difficult team to beat, so we just [have] to scout them well. It doesn’t matter who we play, we’re still gonna come out with energy, and hopefully we get that win,” Monterastelli said.
