Fallbrook boys basketball team rolling

The Fallbrook Union High School boys varsity basketball team continues to roll through its 2019-20 preseason schedule. With eight wins on the season, they are one win away from matching the program's highest win total in the past five years.

The last time the Warriors had a winning record was following the 2014-15 season when Mike West's Warriors went 17-12. This year, at 8-2, Ryan Smith's Warriors are looking like they will have similar success.

That's no small feat considering the Warriors one just one game all of last season.

The Warriors had games scheduled with Tri-City Christian Jan. 1 and Maranatha Christian Jan. 2 in Tip-Off Classic, after press time, and were likely feeling good after thrashing Horizon Prep 70-38 Friday, Dec. 27, on the road.

That win came after a 10-day holiday break after the Warriors played at home against San Dieguito Academy and came away with a hard-fought 53-49 win Dec. 17.

The Warriors were also victorious against Classical Academy at home, beating the team from Escondido 53-48.

On Dec. 5, however, the Warriors suffered their second defeat of the season when they want on the road to take on Sage Creek, falling 68-48.

In that game, the Warriors started fast, bursting out to an 18-8 lead in the first quarter. But the Bobcats chipped away at the lead in the second, outscoring the Warriors 15-8.

The home team came alive in the third quarter and the Warriors had no answer, as Sage Creek outscored the Warriors 25-7 in the frame. They finished the game with another 20 points while the Warriors mustered only 14 in the fourth.

The Warriors will take on Hilltop at 4 p.m. Jan. 3 and Sage Ridge (Reno, Nevada) Jan. 4 in the New Year's Tip-Off Invitational.

Next, they travel to Escondido Charter Jan. 10 and Escondido High Jan. 14 to open league play on the road.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].