Eagles carry high expectations into boys basketball season

Clayton Valley's boys basketball season is underway and the Ugly Eagles are trying to beat expectations after last year's playoff run.

The Eagles finished with a record of 23-13 and 8-4 in Diablo Athletic League play, making it all the way to the NCS semifinals last year. But still the team must try to reload after the loss of key seniors such as Elijah Perryman, who earned a scholarship to Utah State. Coach Frank Allocco said one of their best strengths is filling holes every season. 

“It is always tough here,” he said. “Something we always hang our hats on is our ability to develop players.” 

Even with the departure of their star guard they have a very talented roster with players such as Jett Tran and Zion Grissom. Allocco sees this season as a great opportunity to bring up players who now have a chance to shine, such as Leo Some and Charlie Sullivan. The Eagles have also welcomed five new freshmen to the team, including Kenechukwu Obi and Josh Dykhuizen.

Zion Grissom, shown scoring here in a nonleague game earlier this season, will be relied on to help the Eagles shoot for another postseason playoff berth. (Photo by Soliana Tesfay)

Allocco says “we have the toughest schedule in Northern California” but he thinks the season will shape out well if the Eagles can improve their shooting and become smarter offensively.

Clayton Valley is off to a great start at 5-1, with notable wins against Saint Mary’s and Sacramento. This record has earned them a spot as the 33rd ranked team in California and 2nd in the NCS according to MaxPreps.

The Eagles’ first league game was set for Dec. 19 against Concord, as they look for a fast start in the DAL standings.

Expectations for the Ugly Eagles were high after last year's second round run and so far they have lived up to the hype.