Nerves grew on players and spectators in Ventura High School’s Bob Tuttle Gymnasium as the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys basketball team was set to face off against an evenly matched Channel Islands High School (Channel Islands). Action for the Dragons was spearheaded by Ashton Brown ‘26, Erik Hernandez ‘26 and Enzo Rivera ‘27, however the team’s efforts were not enough as Channel Islands narrowly held them to a 72-70 defeat.

Foothill Tech started the first quarter in aggressive fashion as Brown and Nick Turner ‘26 quickly scored the first few points for the Dragons. Foothill Tech and Channel Islands would exchange blows on the offensive end of the court setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Shortly after being substituted into the game, Rivera would show his dominance in the paint with four straight layups to keep Foothill Tech within reach of winning the quarter. To end the entertaining first quarter, Brown hit a huge three to tie the game 21-21.

The score stayed tight going into the second quarter as Foothill Tech’s momentum carried through from the energetic first quarter. Brown, Rivera and Turner continued their scoring efforts, but unwilling to back down, Channel Islands answered with scoring of their own.

“Three point shooting” proved to be the main strength of the Dragons, according to Rivera, as  Hernandez shined from beyond the arc with two three pointers of his own to bring the deficit to 33-34. Shortly after, the Dragons went on an 8-0 run to end the half 41-34.

Halftime demonstrated a good rest for Channel Islands as they came out aggressive, quickly scoring three straight layups to cut the deficit to three points. With a much needed and-one, Channel Islands took their first lead of the half.  

Continuing their concentration, Rivera and Brown answered right back with layups and free throws of their own to end the quarter with the lead 52-50.

Channel Islands came out into the fourth quarter aggressively once again with five straight baskets to take the lead back from the Dragons 61-57. Rivera answered with a clutch and-one to force Channel Islands to call timeout. 

In the final minute, with the lead, Channel Islands planned to waste time and dribble out the clock. With Foothill Tech forced to foul, Channel Islands extended their lead 65-60.

 Unwilling to go down without a fight, Rivera and Brown left all their energy on the court with two and-one layups and a three pointer. Channel Islands answered with baskets of their own, eventually holding the Dragons off in the end, 72-70.

“Being down by five points on multiple occasions and coming back and cutting it in half … you can’t ask for anything more than that,” Head Coach, Jamaal Brown commented after a hard fought fourth quarter. 

Looking to bounce back after a close defeat, the Dragons will face St. Bonaventure High School on their home court on Dec 2.