On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the boys’ varsity basketball team defeated the Marin Catholic Wildcats in the Marin County Athletic League semifinals. Marin Catholic earned their spot in the playoffs after defeating Terra Linda on Feb. 7 in a play-in game. This was the third meeting between the Giants and Wildcats this season, and the trend continued with the Giants winning by a final score of 65-36. Ains Fish led the team with 16 points and six rebounds followed by Brady Weingart with nine points and Bjorn Ryning with eight points. 

Coach Jay Demaestri has put an emphasis on the team starting games strong, which the Giants did in the first quarter. Their fast-pace transition offense thrived as the Giants found themselves up 11 points at the end of the first quarter. 

“We came in ready to play. They didn’t, and this is what we get from the hard work in our practices. We’ve been working hard all season and now we are in the playoffs and that is how we should handle business,” senior Jacob Friedman said. 

The Giants continued their run in the second quarter led by Ains Fish’s smooth post moves and Brady Weingart’s efficient three-point shooting. Defensively, the Giants focused on Marin Catholic’s best players and greatly limited their offensive production. During the second half, the Giants continued to build their lead and rejected any signs of a comeback by the Wildcats. The Giants’ chemistry was really showing as baskets continued to come easy.

“Our chemistry was not there at the beginning of the season, but now we are playing as a team. I am super proud of the fellas,” sophomore Noah Tanaka said.

The Giants won the game 65-36 and will face  the Branson Bulls in the MCAL Championship. To be successful in the game, Friedman emphasizes the importance of working hard on defense.

“ Coach [Demaestri] always preaches defense first, [which] is what wins us games,” Friedman said. “Our offense is there, but it all comes down to defense which is all about hard work. [The game] will be decided by who works harder.”

This will be the third meeting this season between the Giants and the Bulls after splitting their first two games. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m. in the Phil Roark Gymnasium on Friday, Feb. 10 with the MCAL pennant on the line.