On Friday, March 5, the Jones boys basketball team lost 49-43 to Payton but then came back and defeated Clemente 63-54 the next day on Saturday, March 6. 

The game against Payton started off low scoring, with turnovers and missed shots. The first quarter ended with Payton having an 8-4 lead. In the second quarter, however, the scoring increased and the Eagles were able to cut the lead to one, down 22-21 at the end of the first half. 

At the start of the second half, Payton went on a 10-0 run to take an 11 point lead. Jones was able to cut it down to an 8 point deficit, by the end of the third being down 34-26. However, at the end of the game, Payton won after scoring two big shots.

“Physicality was a factor in the loss; we needed to be more physical and get the ball in the basket,” said basketball player Emerson Hachinski ‘21. “Sometimes shots don’t drop.”

On March 6,  Jones played against Clemente. It was easier for Jones to score, and they won with 63-54. Defense was also a key. Clemente’s top player, despite averaging about 30 points per game prior to this game, was held to just 15 points. 

“It is always a bit easier to win when your shots are falling,” said Hachinski. “What also factored into the win on Saturday was great defense; Clemente has some very talented and skilled stories, and we were really able to limit them which resulted in a win.”

The head coach of the boys’ basketball team, Richard Kavalauskas, said the offense struggled against Payton but was able to get going against Clemente.

“It is cliche, but it comes down to making shots,” said Kavalauskas. “Versus Payton, we struggled to get anything going offensively. We missed some easy layups and putbacks and that usually makes the difference in a close game.”

Kavalauskus said he was impressed with the Eagles’ defensive performance against Clemente, specifically that of Max Marco ‘21, Devin Boston ‘22, and Eric Minogue ‘21. 

“On Saturday versus Clemente, our guys were able to contain one of the better guards in CPS and hold him to about 15 points as opposed to him hitting his average of about 30,” said Kavalauskas. “Max Marco, Devin Boston, and Eric Minogue did a nice job rotating on him defensively.” 

The Eagles then got a day off on Sunday. However, they’re back at it, playing against Latin on Monday, March 8.

“I would like to continue with our defensive effort and rebounding,” said Kavalauskas. “We are undersized but have been very scrappy on the glass. That must continue in order for us to be competitive.”