Menlo squared off against Sacred Heart Prep in a varsity boys’ basketball game on Friday Jan. 20. The Knights lost a nail-biter to the Gators following a game-winning layup by Sacred Heart’s Erick Osterloh. The teams battled until the final buzzer, but the final shot stunned the Menlo crowd and student section.
This meeting marked the second of at least three games between the two programs this season. Sacred Heart defeated the Knights, 73-55 back in early Dec. and the two teams will meet again at Sacred Heart on Feb. 10. The recent January matchup epitomized the rivalry between the two schools with high attendance and competitive basketball; students from both schools packed the stands, creating an environment full of chaos and excitement.
Menlo was led by senior guard Lucas Vogel who continued his very strong senior season. Vogel tied the game at 59 with under 10 seconds left after he made a layup and a free throw. Vogel surpassed 1,000 career points earlier this month, and is committed to play Division III basketball at Washington University in St. Louis.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Menlo remains competitive in the West Bay Athletic League. The Knights stamped a commanding, 75-35 victory over Crystal Springs on Jan. 17 to earn their first win in the conference. Outside of conference play, Menlo holds wins over Carlmont, Collegiate (NY), Mission and others. However, a few close losses in games against Menlo-Atherton, 51-53, Christopher, 51-52, and Half Moon Bay, 66-73.
The boys’ varsity team also traveled to New York City during the Holiday Break and played one of the premier teams in the country, Christ the King. Former NBA great, Carmelo Anthony’s son plays for Christ the King along with many other collegiate basketball prospects. On their trip to New York City, the Knights finished with a 2-2 record, winning against Packer Collegiate Institute (NY) and Collegiate (NY).
Menlo aims to finish the season off strong and earn an evasive victory over Sacred Heart when they play again next month. The Knights won the CCS Division IV title last year, and hope to repeat that success.
