UPDATE: The Aptos High boys basketball team suffered a disappointing 55-37 defeat against Half Moon Bay in the third-place game of the 12th Annual Aptos High/Santa Cruz Warriors NorCal Invitational at Kaiser Permanente Arena on December 13, 2023. The Mariners, now with a record of 4-8, struggled to overcome an early 15-2 deficit in the first quarter.
Senior Gio Garduno-Martin led Aptos with 16 points, but it was not enough to secure a victory. The team trailed 28-11 at the half, despite a determined effort to close the gap, narrowing it to just ten points early in the fourth quarter. Mariners coach Joseph Smith praised the team’s competitive spirit, stating,
“I was proud of how we competed today against a tough opponent. I thought we improved as a team over the course of the tournament.”
Half Moon Bay’s junior Levi Meighan contributed 10 points to the Cougars’ victory, pushing their record to 5-5. The tournament concluded with Willow Glen claiming the championship title, defeating Pioneer 63-58 in the all-San Jose final.
In addition to the action on the court, the tournament’s MVP award went to Willow Glen’s Brayden Gumabo, with several players, including Aptos’ Levi Race, earning spots on the all-tournament team.
Looking ahead, Aptos will face off against Watsonville (3-5) this Friday at 7 p.m., as they aim to turn their season around.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Aptos Mariners look to bounce back!
