A strong team effort propelled the San Marcos boys basketball team to a 63-55 CIF-SS 2A Division first-round victory over Agoura on Wednesday night at the Thunderhut.
San Marcos’ big three of Tommy Condon, Isaiah Hicks and John Connolly combined to score over 70 percent of the team’s points. Condon came off the bench early in the first half and totaled a team-high15 points, while Connolly chipped in 14.
The play of the game came with the Royals ahead 56-53 in the fourth quarter. Condon juked a Charger to the floor then shot a three-pointer that hit the rim, bounced up and finally went through the basket, sending the Royal faithful into a frenzy.
“I was just trying to draw a foul to go to the free-throw line,” said Condon. “Once (the defender) fell, I turned around and there was no one in front of me… I have a lot of confidence in my shot, even though it hit the front of the rim.”
“(Agoura) always stayed close, so having guys like Tommy knock down big shots down the stretch was huge for us,” said San Marcos coach Jelani Hicks.
The Royals’ (17-9) win advances them to a second-round game on Friday at Bonita (26-2) in San Dimas.
Junior Jed Miller led the way for Agoura, finishing the night with 29 points, including 16 of 20 on free throws.
“We just wanted to make everything he shot contested,” said coach Hicks. “We had a hand in his face every time.”
Jon Spayne and Cameron Theus contributed eight and 12 points, respectively, for the Chargers.
Miller was often matched up with Isaiah Hicks, and their battle was thrilling to watch.
Three-point shots were a big part of the Royals’ game. They made eight, half of which belonged to Condon.
“Coach always preaches to get a great shot,” said Isaiah Hicks. “If it’s a great shot, we’re just gonna take it because we know we can make it.”