BASKETBALL DOES NOT BUILD CHARACTER, IT REVEALS IT.
- Inventor of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith
- Inventor of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith
1ST TEAM ALL LEAGUE SELECTION COMMITS TO ELAC FOR SOFTBALL
4/23/2024
Senior Zyanne Diaz was a 1st team All Montview league selection in 2024 for our hoop squad; now she has earned another honor. This honor in the form of an athletic scholarship to play softball at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Diaz signed her letter of intent this past Monday right after her last regular season softball game as a Falcon. So senior night turned out to be a big evening for Zyanne; congrats to Zy and her entire family on a wonderful accomplishment.
4/23/2024
Senior Zyanne Diaz was a 1st team All Montview league selection in 2024 for our hoop squad; now she has earned another honor. This honor in the form of an athletic scholarship to play softball at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Diaz signed her letter of intent this past Monday right after her last regular season softball game as a Falcon. So senior night turned out to be a big evening for Zyanne; congrats to Zy and her entire family on a wonderful accomplishment.
Class of 2024 senior Zyanne Diaz signs her letter of intent, commits to play softball at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Diaz (center) was surrounded by her softball teammates Monday night this week to ink her letter.
FALCONS HONORED AT DUSD BOARD MEETING
4/18/2024
The Duarte USD school board recently honored lady falcon basketball players who were selected as members to this years all league teams, as well as league scholar athlete's. Super soph Selena Banuelos headed the 1st team list along with senior F Zyanne Diaz, and junior PG Crystal Moran. Here is the complete list for 2023-2024 season:
1st team All Montview league:
Selena Banuelos
Zyanne Diaz
Crystal Moran
2nd team All Montview league:
Valeria Nunez
Jaleesa Sherou
Elisa Ramos
Honorable mention All Montview league:
Ava Richards
Victoria Ramirez
Girls basketball scholar athlete for Montview league: Ava Richards
4/18/2024
The Duarte USD school board recently honored lady falcon basketball players who were selected as members to this years all league teams, as well as league scholar athlete's. Super soph Selena Banuelos headed the 1st team list along with senior F Zyanne Diaz, and junior PG Crystal Moran. Here is the complete list for 2023-2024 season:
1st team All Montview league:
Selena Banuelos
Zyanne Diaz
Crystal Moran
2nd team All Montview league:
Valeria Nunez
Jaleesa Sherou
Elisa Ramos
Honorable mention All Montview league:
Ava Richards
Victoria Ramirez
Girls basketball scholar athlete for Montview league: Ava Richards
FALCONS FALL SHORT, SEASON ENDS IN 2ND ROUND OF CIF 5AA PLAYOFFS
2/10/2024
12-10 overall, 6-2 league (2nd place)
Our lady falcons headed to the OC, the city of Anaheim to be exact, to take on Loara HS in a second round CIF playoff game tonight. Duarte faught valiantly all night in highly competitive game. The lady falcons got off to a decent enough start and even missing a few opportunities in the first half to make the contest extremely tight, only trailed 28-19 at the half.
Defensively our lady falcons came out at the start of the 3rd quarter and took advantage of a few Loara turnovers to cut the deficit all the way down to 4 points at the half way mark of the 3rd quarter. But untimely turnovers allowed the home team's advantage to balloon to 13 by the end of the third quarter (39-26).
Our kids continued to fight, but in the end it was just not enough as Loara walked away with the victory and a trip to the CIF 5AA quarterfinals. Great season for our lady falcons, Falcon nation salutes our team and its coaching staff - great job ladies.
2/10/2024
12-10 overall, 6-2 league (2nd place)
Our lady falcons headed to the OC, the city of Anaheim to be exact, to take on Loara HS in a second round CIF playoff game tonight. Duarte faught valiantly all night in highly competitive game. The lady falcons got off to a decent enough start and even missing a few opportunities in the first half to make the contest extremely tight, only trailed 28-19 at the half.
Defensively our lady falcons came out at the start of the 3rd quarter and took advantage of a few Loara turnovers to cut the deficit all the way down to 4 points at the half way mark of the 3rd quarter. But untimely turnovers allowed the home team's advantage to balloon to 13 by the end of the third quarter (39-26).
Our kids continued to fight, but in the end it was just not enough as Loara walked away with the victory and a trip to the CIF 5AA quarterfinals. Great season for our lady falcons, Falcon nation salutes our team and its coaching staff - great job ladies.
FALCONS RUN AWAY FROM HILLCREST CHRISTIAN AT THE FALCON DOME LAST NIGHT
2/9/2024
12-9 overall, 6-2 league (2nd place)
Last nights CIF 5AA first round playoff game pitted our lady falcons versus Hillcrest Christian HS out of Thousand Oaks. Duarte ran out to an 18-2 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, overwhelming Hillcrest Christian from the onset of this contest. The triumvirate of Selena Banuelos (25 points), Zyanne Diaz (12 points), and Crystal Moran (5 points) led the falcons in scoring in this one.
Duarte held a 29-5 advantage at halftime and continued to force turnovers as they cruised to a 60-18 victory. Junior Savannah Vasquez knocked down what may have been the shot of the year at the 4th quarter buzzer, sinking a half court 3 point field goal as time expired getting a deafening roar of approval from falcon fans. Last nights victory was definitely a team defensive effort with Duarte forcing more than 30 turnovers that led to a lot of easy buckets. Our lady falcons will have a quick turn around in getting ready for a second round game, this time taking to the road to play Loara HS Saturday evening.
Next Up: Loara HS @ 5pm (away- Anaheim,Ca.)
2/9/2024
12-9 overall, 6-2 league (2nd place)
Last nights CIF 5AA first round playoff game pitted our lady falcons versus Hillcrest Christian HS out of Thousand Oaks. Duarte ran out to an 18-2 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, overwhelming Hillcrest Christian from the onset of this contest. The triumvirate of Selena Banuelos (25 points), Zyanne Diaz (12 points), and Crystal Moran (5 points) led the falcons in scoring in this one.
Duarte held a 29-5 advantage at halftime and continued to force turnovers as they cruised to a 60-18 victory. Junior Savannah Vasquez knocked down what may have been the shot of the year at the 4th quarter buzzer, sinking a half court 3 point field goal as time expired getting a deafening roar of approval from falcon fans. Last nights victory was definitely a team defensive effort with Duarte forcing more than 30 turnovers that led to a lot of easy buckets. Our lady falcons will have a quick turn around in getting ready for a second round game, this time taking to the road to play Loara HS Saturday evening.
Next Up: Loara HS @ 5pm (away- Anaheim,Ca.)
Victorious Lady Falcons along with their coaching staff after last nights victory. Duarte moves on to the second round of CIF 5AA playoffs Saturday evening vs. Loara HS.
FALCONS TO PLAY AT HOME IN CIF 5AA FIRST ROUND CONTEST VS. HILLCREST CHRISTIAN
2/6/2024
11-9 overall, 6-2 league (2nd place)
Our lady falcons will play host to Hillcrest Christian HS at 7:00 pm in a first round CIF playoff game. The visiting Saints will travel from Thousand Oaks to battle Duarte for the right to move on in the CIF playoffs. Despite a few ups and downs, this was a great year for Duarte who look to move to the second round for the first time since 2017.
2/6/2024
11-9 overall, 6-2 league (2nd place)
Our lady falcons will play host to Hillcrest Christian HS at 7:00 pm in a first round CIF playoff game. The visiting Saints will travel from Thousand Oaks to battle Duarte for the right to move on in the CIF playoffs. Despite a few ups and downs, this was a great year for Duarte who look to move to the second round for the first time since 2017.
FALCONS GET EMOTIONAL WIN ON SENIOR NIGHT
1/31/2024
11-9 overall, 6-2 (league)
Tonight's game at the Falcon dome was not only a celebration for seniors playing their last regular season contest at home, but a game versus Nogales who is one of the top three teams in the Montview league. Winner of this contest would move into second place in league standings, with an outside shot of moving back into first place with a Sierra Vista loss on Feb. 2nd. Both teams had their moments in the early going with the Nobles taking a slim 28-25 lead heading to the intermission.
The third quarter was full of momentum changes as the Falcons would eventually tie the score 42-42 courtesy of a Selena Banuelos put back as the buzzer sounded ending the quarter. Duarte would take control of this contest about mid way through the final stanza with their full court press. Causing turnover after turnover, the falcons would ultimately walk away with a 62-53 win over a game Nobles squad.
Falcon Nation would like to salute this years seniors - Zyanne Diaz, Destiny Sanchez, Ava Richards, and Jaleesa Sherou. We would like to thank all of you for your blood, sweat, and tears the past 4 years as a part of the falcon basketball program. We wish all of our seniors the best of luck in all of their future endeavors. The most rewarding part of this story is that the seniors went out with a victory at home; great job falcons.
Next Up: CIF PLAYOFFS (TBD)
1/31/2024
11-9 overall, 6-2 (league)
Tonight's game at the Falcon dome was not only a celebration for seniors playing their last regular season contest at home, but a game versus Nogales who is one of the top three teams in the Montview league. Winner of this contest would move into second place in league standings, with an outside shot of moving back into first place with a Sierra Vista loss on Feb. 2nd. Both teams had their moments in the early going with the Nobles taking a slim 28-25 lead heading to the intermission.
The third quarter was full of momentum changes as the Falcons would eventually tie the score 42-42 courtesy of a Selena Banuelos put back as the buzzer sounded ending the quarter. Duarte would take control of this contest about mid way through the final stanza with their full court press. Causing turnover after turnover, the falcons would ultimately walk away with a 62-53 win over a game Nobles squad.
Falcon Nation would like to salute this years seniors - Zyanne Diaz, Destiny Sanchez, Ava Richards, and Jaleesa Sherou. We would like to thank all of you for your blood, sweat, and tears the past 4 years as a part of the falcon basketball program. We wish all of our seniors the best of luck in all of their future endeavors. The most rewarding part of this story is that the seniors went out with a victory at home; great job falcons.
Next Up: CIF PLAYOFFS (TBD)
SENIOR NIGHT AT THE FALCON DOME
1/31/2024
10-9 overall, 5-2 (league)
After a tough loss to Sierra Vista that dropped Duarte to 3rd in league standings earlier this week, our lady falcons return to the friendly confines of the falcon dome to celebrate senior night. Seniors Zyanne Diaz, Ava Richards, Destiny Sanchez, and Jaleesa Sherou will be honored at halftime of tonight's game between the host falcons, and Nogales HS (tip off @ 5:30 pm).
1/31/2024
10-9 overall, 5-2 (league)
After a tough loss to Sierra Vista that dropped Duarte to 3rd in league standings earlier this week, our lady falcons return to the friendly confines of the falcon dome to celebrate senior night. Seniors Zyanne Diaz, Ava Richards, Destiny Sanchez, and Jaleesa Sherou will be honored at halftime of tonight's game between the host falcons, and Nogales HS (tip off @ 5:30 pm).
FALCONS SCALP THE AZTECS AT HOME
1/26/2024
10-8 overall, 5-1 league
Our lady falcons had another must win contest to stay near the top of league standings versus Azusa at the Falcon dome last night. This was a replay of the two teams earlier meeting, with Duarte starting out quickly and never looking back on their way to a 58-26 victory.
Leading the way for the falcons was Selena Banuelos with 23 points, Zyanne Diaz with 15 points, Crystal Moran with 6 points, and Jaleesa Sherou with 4 points.
Next Up: Sierra Vista 1/29 @ 5:30 pm (away)
1/26/2024
10-8 overall, 5-1 league
Our lady falcons had another must win contest to stay near the top of league standings versus Azusa at the Falcon dome last night. This was a replay of the two teams earlier meeting, with Duarte starting out quickly and never looking back on their way to a 58-26 victory.
Leading the way for the falcons was Selena Banuelos with 23 points, Zyanne Diaz with 15 points, Crystal Moran with 6 points, and Jaleesa Sherou with 4 points.
Next Up: Sierra Vista 1/29 @ 5:30 pm (away)
FALCONS MOVE BACK INTO FIRST WITH WIN OVER WORKMAN
1/24/2024
9-8 overall, 4-1 league
Tonight our lady falcons traveled to Workman HS to take on the Lobo's. Duarte was looking to take care of business on the road to stick close to the top of league standings. The contest was never close, as the falcons dominated from start to finish running Workman out of its own gym 59-25. As fate would have it, our falcons got an unexpected gift this evening. Nogales HS was defeated handily by Sierra Vista 53-37, the loss by Nogales moves our lady falcons back into 1st place in league standings.
Next Up: Azusa @ 5:30 pm 1/26 (away) - 1/26
1/24/2024
9-8 overall, 4-1 league
Tonight our lady falcons traveled to Workman HS to take on the Lobo's. Duarte was looking to take care of business on the road to stick close to the top of league standings. The contest was never close, as the falcons dominated from start to finish running Workman out of its own gym 59-25. As fate would have it, our falcons got an unexpected gift this evening. Nogales HS was defeated handily by Sierra Vista 53-37, the loss by Nogales moves our lady falcons back into 1st place in league standings.
Next Up: Azusa @ 5:30 pm 1/26 (away) - 1/26
FALCONS HAVE UP DOWN WEEK GO 1-1, FALL TO 2ND PLACE
1/21/2024
8-8 overall, 3-1 league
Last week started with an opportunity for our lady falcons to come close to finishing the first half of their league schedule unbeaten, which would have given them a decidedly big advantage over the rest of the conference. Duarte started the week off with a hard faught victory over Sierra Vista 56-53.
Game two saw Duarte take on Nogales High School Friday night at the Falcon dome. Both teams came into this one undefeated in league play, with the winner taking over sole control of first place in conference. This was another very close contest, unfortunately our lady falcons came out on the short end suffering their first setback in league play, falling to the Nobles 51-46.
Next Up: Workman @ 5:30 pm (away) - 1/24
1/21/2024
8-8 overall, 3-1 league
Last week started with an opportunity for our lady falcons to come close to finishing the first half of their league schedule unbeaten, which would have given them a decidedly big advantage over the rest of the conference. Duarte started the week off with a hard faught victory over Sierra Vista 56-53.
Game two saw Duarte take on Nogales High School Friday night at the Falcon dome. Both teams came into this one undefeated in league play, with the winner taking over sole control of first place in conference. This was another very close contest, unfortunately our lady falcons came out on the short end suffering their first setback in league play, falling to the Nobles 51-46.
Next Up: Workman @ 5:30 pm (away) - 1/24
FALCONS RIDING TWO GAME WINNING STREAK IN LEAGUE
1/16/2024
7-7 overall, 2-0 league
Falcons set to face Sierra Vista tomorrow at the falcon dome for game 3 of their conference schedule. Duarte is 2-0 in league thus far, so wins over the next couple of opponents could really put them in the driver seat. Falcons hope to set the tone and get easy buckets as they have the last two contests in getting wins over Workman and Azusa.
Next Up: Sierra Vista 1/17 @ 5:30 pm (home - Falcon dome)
1/16/2024
7-7 overall, 2-0 league
Falcons set to face Sierra Vista tomorrow at the falcon dome for game 3 of their conference schedule. Duarte is 2-0 in league thus far, so wins over the next couple of opponents could really put them in the driver seat. Falcons hope to set the tone and get easy buckets as they have the last two contests in getting wins over Workman and Azusa.
Next Up: Sierra Vista 1/17 @ 5:30 pm (home - Falcon dome)
TOUGH HOLIDAY WEEK FOR FALCONS AT SACRED HEART TOURNEY (L.A.)
12/30/2023
5-7 overall, 0-0 league
This pasts weeks games were played at the Sacred Heart tournament in Los Angeles. Two of the four contests were games that our lady falcons could have easily won, but turnovers and scoring droughts just got the better of the girls this week during key stretches of a couple of games. The league schedule looms large, so hopefully all things begin to mesh for the falcons as they look to get on a roll.
Next Up: Workman, 5:30 pm - @ the Falcon dome
12/30/2023
5-7 overall, 0-0 league
This pasts weeks games were played at the Sacred Heart tournament in Los Angeles. Two of the four contests were games that our lady falcons could have easily won, but turnovers and scoring droughts just got the better of the girls this week during key stretches of a couple of games. The league schedule looms large, so hopefully all things begin to mesh for the falcons as they look to get on a roll.
Next Up: Workman, 5:30 pm - @ the Falcon dome
FALCONS EASILY WALK THROUGH BALDWIN PARK 12/19/2023
5-3 overall, 0-0 league
After a humbling loss to Rio Hondo Prep last week our Falcons returned to the court, this time against Baldwin Park HS. The lady falcons would have to play this contest without starting PG Crystal Moran who was out due to illness. Duarte got off to a fast start and never looked back, easily throttling the Braves in a 47-5 victory last night at the Falcon dome. Sophomore Selena Banuelos and senior Zyanne Diaz both had stellar ballgames last night for the falcons. Banuelos was the leading scorer in the ball game with 26 points, while Diaz had 12 points.
Both of these ladies stuffed the stat sheet last night, not just the scoring column. Diaz controlled the glass on both ends of the floor snaring 14 rebounds to go along with 4 steals, 3 assists, and 1 blocked shot. Banuelos had 3 steals, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 blocked shot. There was plenty of production from the entire team, here is a snapshot of what everyone's stat line looked like.
Valeria Nunez - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Savannah Vasquez - 3 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 blocked shot
Ava Richards - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Elisa Ramos - 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Vicky Ramirez - 6 rebounds
Destiny Sanchez - 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 assist
Jaleesa Sherou - 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Next Up: Sacred Heart (L.A.) Tournament 12/27-12/30/2023
5-3 overall, 0-0 league
After a humbling loss to Rio Hondo Prep last week our Falcons returned to the court, this time against Baldwin Park HS. The lady falcons would have to play this contest without starting PG Crystal Moran who was out due to illness. Duarte got off to a fast start and never looked back, easily throttling the Braves in a 47-5 victory last night at the Falcon dome. Sophomore Selena Banuelos and senior Zyanne Diaz both had stellar ballgames last night for the falcons. Banuelos was the leading scorer in the ball game with 26 points, while Diaz had 12 points.
Both of these ladies stuffed the stat sheet last night, not just the scoring column. Diaz controlled the glass on both ends of the floor snaring 14 rebounds to go along with 4 steals, 3 assists, and 1 blocked shot. Banuelos had 3 steals, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 blocked shot. There was plenty of production from the entire team, here is a snapshot of what everyone's stat line looked like.
Valeria Nunez - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Savannah Vasquez - 3 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 blocked shot
Ava Richards - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Elisa Ramos - 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Vicky Ramirez - 6 rebounds
Destiny Sanchez - 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 assist
Jaleesa Sherou - 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Next Up: Sacred Heart (L.A.) Tournament 12/27-12/30/2023
Congratulations to Selena Banuelos on being selected player of the game.
FALCONS GET VICTORY OVER THE WEBB SCHOOLS AT THE FALCON DOME
12/14/2023
4-2 overall, 0-0 league
Tonight's contest at the Falcon dome was almost a rerun of the previous game, but with slight deference's. The slight difference being that the opponent tonight (Webb) was solid but a little below the previous games opponent (Garey), in terms of tenacity and toughness. The similarity or re-run reference being that the lady falcons controlled this contest (vs. Webb), as well as the previous contest (vs. Garey) for roughly the first 3 quarters of the ball game.
The overall difference tonight was that Duarte was able to create a little bit of space in the form of a double digit lead with about 3 1/2 minutes left in the 4th quarter, tonight they never relinquished the lead as they did down the stretch two days ago. Clutch free throw shooting by Elisa Perez, who knocked down 4 straight from the charity stripe during a key 4th quarter run aided the cause immensely. Add in free throws made by Savannah Vasquez and Selena Banuelos which gave the falcons an eventual 12 point win. When you look at the scoring for each quarter below, tonight was almost a mirror image of two nights ago:
1st quarter score:
Duarte 10
Webb 9
2nd quarter:
Duarte 20
Webb 17
3rd quarter:
Duarte 32
Webb 27
4th quarter:
Duarte 44
Webb 32
Duarte was led tonight in scoring by PG Crystal Moran who knocked down 3 triples in route to a team high 15 points before fouling out late in the contest. Selena Banuelos had 14 points including one 3 point field goal, Elisa Ramos 6 points, Destiny Sanchez 4 points, Savannah Vasquez 3 points, Zyanne Diaz 2 points. The falcons received defensive support from Vicky Ramirez, Jaleesa Sherou, and Ava Richards. Great team win by our lady falcons tonight, lets hope the momentum continues.
Next Up: 12/15 Rio Hondo Prep @ home - Falcon dome, 7:30 pm tip
12/14/2023
4-2 overall, 0-0 league
Tonight's contest at the Falcon dome was almost a rerun of the previous game, but with slight deference's. The slight difference being that the opponent tonight (Webb) was solid but a little below the previous games opponent (Garey), in terms of tenacity and toughness. The similarity or re-run reference being that the lady falcons controlled this contest (vs. Webb), as well as the previous contest (vs. Garey) for roughly the first 3 quarters of the ball game.
The overall difference tonight was that Duarte was able to create a little bit of space in the form of a double digit lead with about 3 1/2 minutes left in the 4th quarter, tonight they never relinquished the lead as they did down the stretch two days ago. Clutch free throw shooting by Elisa Perez, who knocked down 4 straight from the charity stripe during a key 4th quarter run aided the cause immensely. Add in free throws made by Savannah Vasquez and Selena Banuelos which gave the falcons an eventual 12 point win. When you look at the scoring for each quarter below, tonight was almost a mirror image of two nights ago:
1st quarter score:
Duarte 10
Webb 9
2nd quarter:
Duarte 20
Webb 17
3rd quarter:
Duarte 32
Webb 27
4th quarter:
Duarte 44
Webb 32
Duarte was led tonight in scoring by PG Crystal Moran who knocked down 3 triples in route to a team high 15 points before fouling out late in the contest. Selena Banuelos had 14 points including one 3 point field goal, Elisa Ramos 6 points, Destiny Sanchez 4 points, Savannah Vasquez 3 points, Zyanne Diaz 2 points. The falcons received defensive support from Vicky Ramirez, Jaleesa Sherou, and Ava Richards. Great team win by our lady falcons tonight, lets hope the momentum continues.
Next Up: 12/15 Rio Hondo Prep @ home - Falcon dome, 7:30 pm tip
Congratulations to Elisa Ramos on being selected player of the game.
FALCONS LOSE TOUGH ONE TO GAREY
12/12/2023
3-2 overall, 0-0 league
Tonight's game was a hard fought contest, but a very good game to watch from a fan perspective. Duarte controlled this game for much of the first 3 quarters with Garey making their own small runs to keep quarters close through the first 3 stanza's. Duarte led 18-14 after the first quarter, then 25-23 at the break. The 3rd quarter ended with Garey outscoring our falcons by 2 points to even the score at 37-37. Junior guard Crystal Moran played an outstanding game at the point controlling the tempo and distributing the basketball very effectively which led to much of Duarte's early success in this ball game. Moran scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but it was her 10 assists plus handful of steals that really hurt Garey through the first three quarters.
Senior Zyanne Diaz had an excellent game hurting Garey on both ends of the floor through the first 3 quarters. Often delivering timely buckets on the offensive end scoring 13 points, while more than holding her own on the glass grabbing big rebound after big rebound. Diaz was a disruptor defensively as well, racking up 6 blocked shots spearheading falcon defensive efforts through the first 3 quarters. Sophomore Selena Banuelos came in averaging more than 25 points per game, as our super soph has gone in games, for the most part so have the falcons. Banuelos had a pedestrian night by her lofty standards scoring 15 points and grabbing a handful of rebounds, but what was most impressive is that she never stopped competing at a high level.
The 4th quarter was were the falcons started to lose their grip on this game, at one point Duarte actually went up by 7 points forcing more unforced more unforced errors from the Vikings. But then disaster would strike twice, first starting with F Zyanne Diaz fouling out early in the quarter, then a minute or so later with Banuelos fouling out which all but sealed Duarte's fate. Moran hit a corner three to tie the contest at 48, but untimely errors down the stretch would see Garey go on a 7-0 run to wrap up the victory 55-48. Our falcons all grew up a little tonight as they competed in impressive fashion not backing down even after key player disqualifications, Falcon Nation salutes all of you. Our kids fought hard but came up just a little bit short tonight, but in the long run will benefit from games like this one.
Next Up: The Webb Schools
12/12/2023
3-2 overall, 0-0 league
Tonight's game was a hard fought contest, but a very good game to watch from a fan perspective. Duarte controlled this game for much of the first 3 quarters with Garey making their own small runs to keep quarters close through the first 3 stanza's. Duarte led 18-14 after the first quarter, then 25-23 at the break. The 3rd quarter ended with Garey outscoring our falcons by 2 points to even the score at 37-37. Junior guard Crystal Moran played an outstanding game at the point controlling the tempo and distributing the basketball very effectively which led to much of Duarte's early success in this ball game. Moran scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but it was her 10 assists plus handful of steals that really hurt Garey through the first three quarters.
Senior Zyanne Diaz had an excellent game hurting Garey on both ends of the floor through the first 3 quarters. Often delivering timely buckets on the offensive end scoring 13 points, while more than holding her own on the glass grabbing big rebound after big rebound. Diaz was a disruptor defensively as well, racking up 6 blocked shots spearheading falcon defensive efforts through the first 3 quarters. Sophomore Selena Banuelos came in averaging more than 25 points per game, as our super soph has gone in games, for the most part so have the falcons. Banuelos had a pedestrian night by her lofty standards scoring 15 points and grabbing a handful of rebounds, but what was most impressive is that she never stopped competing at a high level.
The 4th quarter was were the falcons started to lose their grip on this game, at one point Duarte actually went up by 7 points forcing more unforced more unforced errors from the Vikings. But then disaster would strike twice, first starting with F Zyanne Diaz fouling out early in the quarter, then a minute or so later with Banuelos fouling out which all but sealed Duarte's fate. Moran hit a corner three to tie the contest at 48, but untimely errors down the stretch would see Garey go on a 7-0 run to wrap up the victory 55-48. Our falcons all grew up a little tonight as they competed in impressive fashion not backing down even after key player disqualifications, Falcon Nation salutes all of you. Our kids fought hard but came up just a little bit short tonight, but in the long run will benefit from games like this one.
Next Up: The Webb Schools
FALCONS START QUICKLY IN VICTORY OVER GANESHA 12/5/2023
3-1 overall, 0-0 league
After suffering their first loss on the season last week against San Gabriel in a close contest, our lady falcons came home to familiar confines to face Ganesha HS last night at the falcon dome. Last nights non conference tilt saw the home team jump out to a fast start. The lady falcons forced some early turnovers in running out to a 12-4 lead early over the visiting Giants. As things looked like they could get out of control early, the visitors calmed themselves and had an answer.
Ganesha would go on a 10-2 run to tie up the ball game at 14 toward the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was even the first 2 minutes before our falcons led by the quartet of sophomore Selena Banuelos, senior Zyanne Diaz, junior Crystal Moran, and junior Savannah Vasquez ignited a 20-4 run of their own as the lady falcons took control heading into the break 34-18.
Both teams played well in the 3rd quarter, Ganesha once again was able to cut into the falcons lead slightly by the end of the 3rd quarter, trailing 48-33. Ultimately Duarte was able to hold off the Giants with steady defensive pressure in the last stanza, walking away with a 64-41 win in impressive fashion. Great job falcons.
Next up: Garey 12/12 (home - Falcon dome) @ 5:00 pm tip
3-1 overall, 0-0 league
After suffering their first loss on the season last week against San Gabriel in a close contest, our lady falcons came home to familiar confines to face Ganesha HS last night at the falcon dome. Last nights non conference tilt saw the home team jump out to a fast start. The lady falcons forced some early turnovers in running out to a 12-4 lead early over the visiting Giants. As things looked like they could get out of control early, the visitors calmed themselves and had an answer.
Ganesha would go on a 10-2 run to tie up the ball game at 14 toward the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was even the first 2 minutes before our falcons led by the quartet of sophomore Selena Banuelos, senior Zyanne Diaz, junior Crystal Moran, and junior Savannah Vasquez ignited a 20-4 run of their own as the lady falcons took control heading into the break 34-18.
Both teams played well in the 3rd quarter, Ganesha once again was able to cut into the falcons lead slightly by the end of the 3rd quarter, trailing 48-33. Ultimately Duarte was able to hold off the Giants with steady defensive pressure in the last stanza, walking away with a 64-41 win in impressive fashion. Great job falcons.
Next up: Garey 12/12 (home - Falcon dome) @ 5:00 pm tip
Box score form last nights game vs. Ganesha.
FALCONS RUN AWAY FROM ST. MONICA IN LOPSIDED VICTORY
11/18/2023
2-0 overall, 0-0 league
Another double header at Falcon gym was on tap for Saturday afternoon/evening. This time both the girls & boys programs took on St.Monica High School. Our lady falcons led off the double header in the first contest, which may as well have been a replay of their last victory two days ago.
Duarte was extremely active defensively coming up with more than 35 steals in this contest, 22 of them by Selena Banuelos alone which hearkens back to the days of Lewis (current assistant Shakan), Williams (Zequoia), Brown (Imari) and Barnes (Mackenzie) who all used to put up video game stats on both ends of the floor as All-CIF players at DHS.
Destiny Sanchez and Crystal Moran each had busy afternoons racking up 8 steals apiece as Duarte turned this into a turnover fest. The big story once again was sophomore Selena Banuelos who had another terrific game. Banuelos scored 28 of the falcons 41 first half points in leading Duarte to a 41-9 halftime lead over St. Monica.
Duarte continued their defensive dominance in the second half as they continued to pressure St. Monica players into unforced errors. The falcons would get 11 points from junior point guard Crystal Moran, 6 points from Savannah Vasquez, 4 points from Elisa Sanchez and 1 point from Ava Richards. Banuelos led all scorers with 37 points to go along with 5 rebounds and those 22 big steals. Great job collectively by our girls as the lady falcons won easily in this one 59-17.
Next Up: San Gabriel (away), Monday 11/20 @ 5:30 pm
11/18/2023
2-0 overall, 0-0 league
Another double header at Falcon gym was on tap for Saturday afternoon/evening. This time both the girls & boys programs took on St.Monica High School. Our lady falcons led off the double header in the first contest, which may as well have been a replay of their last victory two days ago.
Duarte was extremely active defensively coming up with more than 35 steals in this contest, 22 of them by Selena Banuelos alone which hearkens back to the days of Lewis (current assistant Shakan), Williams (Zequoia), Brown (Imari) and Barnes (Mackenzie) who all used to put up video game stats on both ends of the floor as All-CIF players at DHS.
Destiny Sanchez and Crystal Moran each had busy afternoons racking up 8 steals apiece as Duarte turned this into a turnover fest. The big story once again was sophomore Selena Banuelos who had another terrific game. Banuelos scored 28 of the falcons 41 first half points in leading Duarte to a 41-9 halftime lead over St. Monica.
Duarte continued their defensive dominance in the second half as they continued to pressure St. Monica players into unforced errors. The falcons would get 11 points from junior point guard Crystal Moran, 6 points from Savannah Vasquez, 4 points from Elisa Sanchez and 1 point from Ava Richards. Banuelos led all scorers with 37 points to go along with 5 rebounds and those 22 big steals. Great job collectively by our girls as the lady falcons won easily in this one 59-17.
Next Up: San Gabriel (away), Monday 11/20 @ 5:30 pm
FALCONS GET VICTORY OVER ACADEMIA AVANCE 11/16/2023
1-0 overall, 0-0 league
Tonight's game versus Academia Avance was part of a special double header. The boys varsity squad took on Avance first, then our lady falcons took center stage in the second game. This contest was all Duarte from the opening tap, as the falcons ran past an over matched Avance squad in relatively easy fashion.
The falcons were led all night by the excellent play of Selena Banuelos who started out red hot. Banuelos scored 23 of her game high 27 points in the first half in leading the falcons to a 41-2 lead at the half. Duarte continued holding Avance scoreless for long time frames eventually running away with this contest, winning by the final score of 60-9.
Other falcon offensive contributors on the evening included Princess Ayala who scored 10 points, Ariel Lo who scored 7 points. Elisa Ramos and Destiny Sanchez both scored 6 points, Zyanne Diaz scored 5 points, Ava Richards scored 4 points, Savannah Vasquez and Crystal Moran scored 2 points apiece, Jaleesa Sherou netted 1 point hitting one of two free throws.
Up Next: St. Monica 11/18 (Sat.) @ Falcon Gym
1-0 overall, 0-0 league
Tonight's game versus Academia Avance was part of a special double header. The boys varsity squad took on Avance first, then our lady falcons took center stage in the second game. This contest was all Duarte from the opening tap, as the falcons ran past an over matched Avance squad in relatively easy fashion.
The falcons were led all night by the excellent play of Selena Banuelos who started out red hot. Banuelos scored 23 of her game high 27 points in the first half in leading the falcons to a 41-2 lead at the half. Duarte continued holding Avance scoreless for long time frames eventually running away with this contest, winning by the final score of 60-9.
Other falcon offensive contributors on the evening included Princess Ayala who scored 10 points, Ariel Lo who scored 7 points. Elisa Ramos and Destiny Sanchez both scored 6 points, Zyanne Diaz scored 5 points, Ava Richards scored 4 points, Savannah Vasquez and Crystal Moran scored 2 points apiece, Jaleesa Sherou netted 1 point hitting one of two free throws.
Up Next: St. Monica 11/18 (Sat.) @ Falcon Gym
BASKETBALL IS BACK, OUR FALCONS START THEIR 2023-2024 CAMPAIGN OFF WITH TWO GAMES AT HOME
The 2023-2024 edition of Lady Falcon basketball will start their season with two home games. The first versus Avance Academy, the second game two days later on November 18th versus St. Monica. Good luck to our girls program this year as they start a new season of lady falcon basketball.
First up: Avance Academy 11/16(Thurs.) @ Falcon Gym, 5:30 pm varsity tip off
The 2023-2024 edition of Lady Falcon basketball will start their season with two home games. The first versus Avance Academy, the second game two days later on November 18th versus St. Monica. Good luck to our girls program this year as they start a new season of lady falcon basketball.
First up: Avance Academy 11/16(Thurs.) @ Falcon Gym, 5:30 pm varsity tip off