• Eagles See Rough Patch As District Play Begins

    By: Alonzo Rangel

    A series of games that would come to fluster the boys varsity basketball team began on Tuesday, December 19th, when squaring off against the Castleberry Lions. The Lions defense suffocated the Eagles, forcing turnovers on what seemed to be every other possession. Deon Ross would be the leading scorer in the 105-39 loss, racking up 10 points, 2 steals, and 3 rebounds. Play wouldn’t resume until the second weekend of winter break, when the Eagles traveled to Lake Country Christian School for their annual tournament. The first of 4 games they would play was against Grapevine Faith High School. After a rough first 3 quarters, the Eagles were able to cut their final deficit to 32 points, ending the match with a final score of 97-65. Jeno Mack reached his season high in points, leading the charge with 19 points as well as 2 rebounds and a steal. After a 64-49 loss to Jefferson High School, DHJ was set up with a game against Brighter Horizons Academy. At one point trailing by 13 points, the boys were able to get their heads in the game and rally back. Isaiah Aguilera ended the game with more rebounds than points, a double-double of 18 rebounds, 15 points, 2 steals, and 3 assists. Deon Ross had a great game as well, with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and an assist. After taking 2 losses in the tournament, the Eagles would close  with 2 wins after defeating Peak Preparatory for a second time this season. The final game of winter break would occur in Kennedale, where they would play the Wildcats at home. Diamond Hill would hop out to a strong start, but were met with very physical play from a team that’s consistently one of the best in the state. Playing limited minutes due to early fouls, Isaiah Aguilera still managed to play a statistically solid game. Bringing in 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a block, Aguilera would be the top contributor to the Eagles play in their 96-43 loss. Though they walked away from December with a few wins, there was noticeable frustration during losses that one could see translate into their play. In hopes that the team can make amends on court, The Eagles will play a home game Tuesday, December 11th when they take on Lake Worth. Later in the week, on Friday, the team will travel to Springtown for a game versus the Porcupines.

  • Boys Basketball On The Short End Of The Stick

    By: Alonzo Rangel

    On Tuesday, Diamond Hill’s varsity boys played what was probably the most emotionally driven game of the year when they played the North Side Steers at home. The stands were packed for this game that had a tragic ending. After 3 quarters, the score was even at 35 a piece. Midway through the 4th quarter, the Eagles faced only a 1-point deficit when they gave up 3 straight 3 pointers. This would be the deciding factor in the game, and regulation would end with a score of 45-56. The struggles shooting were evident. It was a great game for leading scorer Deon Ross with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals, but didn’t have much help on the scoreboard. Second to Ross was Blade Neel with 8 points, and he was followed by the 4 points put up by Joey Flores. Such wouldn’t be the case Thursday as the Eagles traveled to Summit International Preparatory for yet another nail biting game. The boys held the lead through the first 3 quarters of a game played with plenty of passion and grit. In the end, Summit International would eek out a win after a few controversial late 4th quarter fouls. Outstanding was the play by Isaiah Aguilera with 10 rebounds, 20 points (9 in the 4th quarter), 2 assists and 2 steals. After fouling out in the 4th, Deon Ross ended the game with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals. Blade Neel played a big role in the game as well, ending with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Losing the lead in the closing minutes, the Eagles were defeated with a heartbreaking final score of 75-71. After playing two tight games, the boys will look to find happier endings in a game Tuesday at Peak Preparatory and in a tournament hosted by Chico that begins on Thursday.

     

  • Boys Basketball Begins Gaining Momentum

    By: Alonzo Rangel

     

    On Monday November 20th the boys varsity basketball team took an hour long trip to Itasca to square off against the Itasca Wampus Cats. While the Eagles went home defeated, there was a revitalized defensive effort in the second half that stumped the Wampus Cats. After facing a 22-point deficit going into halftime, Diamond Hill’s Eagles were able to hold their opposers to 17 points in the second half and cut their deficit to 13 points before the game’s end. A final score of 57-44, The game’s leading scorer was Isaiah Aguilera, capturing a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds along with 3 assists and a steal. Scoring a respectable 14 points was Deon Ross, who would provide an explosive game on the boards for the Eagles the next day in a game against the Carter-Riverside Eagles. Played at Billingsley Fieldhouse, the game would end in a win for Diamond Hill. After taking nearly a 20 point lead, Diamond Hill was able to stave off  a close 59-57. Deon Ross had an outstanding 16 rebounds, topped with an impressive 18 points, 2 steals, and 2 assists. Isaiah Aguilera was a few plays short of a triple-double, racking up 21 points, 8 steals, and 9 rebounds. Gaining traction with their defensive play this week, the Eagles will look to carry their momentum into next week's home game against rivals North Side High school and away game versus Summit International Preparatory.