Sierra Lutheran boys basketball wins first league title in program history
The varsity boys basketball program at Sierra Lutheran High School in Carson City celebrated its first-ever Western 1A Conference championship Tuesday by defeating Excel Christian of Sparks, 59-23, earning first-place league honors.
"It was a very special evening for these Senior boys tonight," SLHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Ben Walther said. "I was proud of their teamwork and camaraderie."
The Falcons soared ahead early in the game held at Sierra Lutheran High School in South Carson City, smothering Excel Christian 21-2 in the first period. They led by nearly 20 points, 32-13, at halftime.
Sierra Lutheran then broke the game open in the second half, outscoring 27-10. By the end of the third period, the Falcons had blown open the lead by 28 points, 48-20, and eventually closed out Excel Christian by more than 35 points, 59-23, to end the game.
"It was a good end to the regular season, especially winning the league for the first time in program history," Walther said. "Now on to the post-season.”
SLHS Senior Logan Schinzing led the Falcons with a team-high 15 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Fellow senior Quinn Cummings finished the game scoring 13 points and nabbing three steals.
Senior Nathan Waite scored 10 points and delivered three assists in the game.
In the girls' match-up at SLHS, the Lady Falcons overwhelmed Excel Christian with a 61-15 drubbing to finish the regular season in fourth place in the 1A Western Conference.
Sierra Lutheran took a commanding lead at halftime, 29-11, after a 14-4 second-quarter run. By the end of the third quarter, the Lady Falcons had heaped a 37-point lead, 48-11, on top of Excel Christian before closing out the game by 46 points.
“This was a great end to our season at home, especially for our seniors Amanda, Taylor, and Melissa," SLHS Girls Basketball Head Coach Danika Neal said. "They have been invaluable leaders this year.”
SLHS Senior Amanda Almeida led the Lady Falcons with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore teammate Mikayla Talkington netted 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.