by 
Gabriel Sierra (21), Jonathan Croci (34) and Bryan Valdez (23) work to get in a score against Imagin Prep in the Holiday Classic Tournament. Angelica Zuniga | San Manuel High School
Bryan Valdez (23) runs the ball down court shadowed by Alvaro Alvarez (5).
Angelica Zuniga | San Manuel High School
By Andrew Luberda
San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel boys’ basketball team defeated the Academy of Tucson by 40 points last week, 58 – 18. It was the Miners’ ninth win of the season. Following losses to Gilbert Classical Academy and St. Gregory College Prep, the Miners’ overall record is even at 9 – 9, including 2 – 3 in section play.
The Miners averaged only 23.5 points per game in the two losses after scoring 58 points against the Lynx. They’ll need offensive output similar to the game against the Lynx to have success in the second half of the season. They are 8 – 0 on the season when they score 46 points or more and 0 – 7 when scoring less than 40 points.
In the San Manuel Holiday Classic on January 3-4, the Miners went 2 – 2 with victories over Hayden and Imagine Prep Coolidge. They suffered losses to San Miguel and Immaculate Heart.
The Miners upcoming schedule includes games versus Arizona College Prep on January 17, 2014 and at Mesa Prep on January 21. Both games tipoff at 7:00 p.m.
Bryan Valdez (23) goes for the three-pointer as Jordan Peasley (30), Gabriel Sierra (21) and Ramon Ruiz (1) run defense. Margaret Schofield | San Manuel High School
by by