The Alpine Fightin’ Buck basketball team closed out the regular season with an impressive win over the Buena Vista Longhorns at Alpine High School on January 7, 2025. The Bucks started strong, racing to a quick 5-0 lead in the first minute of play and finishing the opening quarter ahead 19-12. Their scoring momentum continued into the second quarter, adding 21 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 performance from the free-throw line, to take a commanding 40-28 halftime lead.
The second half brought a shift in dynamics as Alpine faced foul trouble, with nine personal fouls in the third quarter compared to Buena Vista’s three. Coach Gamboa’s emphasis on attacking the basket paid off, as the Bucks maintained their composure under pressure, ending the third quarter ahead 56-47.
Buena Vista mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 56-53 with five and a half minutes remaining. However, key plays by Dae Hardwick, Isaiah Jimenez, and Ferris Daley helped Alpine regain control. A free throw, a slashing layup by Hardwick, and a clutch three-pointer by Daley off a Jimenez assist extended the lead to 62-53, forcing a Buena Vista timeout. From there, the Bucks held strong, securing a 72-63 victory.
Top Performers
- Ferris Daley: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
- Dae Hardwick: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
- Dom Rodriguez: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
- Isaiah Jimenez: 8 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
The Bucks showed resilience and growth, setting a strong foundation as they head into district play. Next up, they travel to Tornillo on Friday, January 10, for the District 4-3A opener.
