The Aliso Niguel boys’ basketball team’s season came to an end last week with a loss in the first round of CIF against Orange Lutheran High School. 

The Wolverines came into CIF with a 16-11 overall record after finishing off league with two wins against El Toro and Mission Viejo High School. Earning second place in a three way tie with Aliso, El Toro, and Mission Viejo all finishing behind Dana Hills HIgh School. 

The Wolverines came into the game ranked 30th in the southern section for CIF Division 2AA. Orange Lutheran came in with an 18-10 overall record after tying for 3rd in the Trinity League. The Lancers came into CIF ranked 5th overall. 

  Orange Lutheran quickly took the lead having a 19-11 lead to start the first quarter. 

Aliso’s team continued to trail behind throughout the first half and going into the second quarter they were down eight points with a score of 11-19. The Lancers kept the lead throughout the game finishing the first half with a score of 24-37. They ended the game with a score of 69-52 effectively ending the Wolverine’s season. 

On the Wolverines’ side, Jay Fromm (12) led the team on the scoring side with 10 points and 2 rebounds against Orange Lutheran. Ryan Mcelroy (12), who has the highest points per game and the highest shooting percentage, scored nine points with 6 rebounds and an assist. 

Garrett Trayer (11) led the team with eight rebounds exceeding his average of 7.6. Garrett also leads the team in blocks per game as well as assists and rebounds. The Wolverines had a freshman play in his first ever varsity game against the Lancers. Jayden Mysin (9) scored 7 points in his varsity debut.

Orange Lutheran High School has continued through CIF winning their next round against Edison High School in a close game that ended 60-59. The Lancers are currently scheduled to play Rancho Cucamonga High School this upcoming Wednesday in the Quarter Finals. 

This game was the last for the team’s seniors who make up a majority of the team’s starters including Jay Fromm, Ryan McElroy, and Ethan Harrington. 

Next year’s senior class includes junior Garret Traynor, who says that the seniors will be missed. “They have made a huge impact on the team and it’s definitely not going to be the same without them.” 

There are 9 seniors in this team’s graduating class which will leave a hole in the program for underclassmen to fill. With 5 underclassmen remaining on the roster next year’s teams will see a lot of changes with new players coming in to fill the roles left behind.