On Thurs. January 31, the varsity boys basketball team lost 55-49 in a highly-anticipated game against Eastside Preparatory, the leading team in the West Bay Athletic League. The Knights were and continue to be tied for second place in league, alongside Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP), making this past game an especially tough loss.

With 26 points and 12 rebounds, junior Cole Kastner carried the team. Senior Nate Solomon had five points, six rebounds and three assists, while sophomore Davis Mead also contributed with six points.

By the end of the first quarter, the Knights were down 14-11, but before the end of the half they managed to clinch a two-point lead, putting the scoreboard at 24-22.

Unfortunately, their lead going into the second half did not provide the Knights with much energy in the third quarter. With a slow performance by Menlo in the third quarter, Eastside Prep outscored the Knights 13-7.

By the end of the fourth quarter, energy was high from both teams. The last minute of the game was packed with excitement; after a three-point play by Kastner and a basket by junior Justin Sellers, the Knights trailed by only four points. Ultimately, Eastside Prep outscored the Knights.

Kastner is looking forward to improving in the future. “[I’m] very excited to prove that we still are a team to look out for in the [Central Coast Section].”