SAN JOSE — Independence and Piedmont Hills went into Wednesday night’s game in a first-place tie. Traditional rivals to boot, the expectation was for an intensely competitive contest in front of a packed house at Piedmont Hills.
Well, the packed gym lived up to its billing and the intensity was certainly on display. But after a close first quarter, Independence blew the doors off with a 19-2 run to end the half and kept the pressure on in a 65-35 blowout victory.
The 76ers are now in first place alone at 5-0 in the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s Santa Teresa-West Division, and 12-6 overall. Piedmont Hills is 10-7, 4-1.
“The kids wanted it,” Independence coach Lemz Gajardo said. “They got what they wanted. I’m happy to see them display the team that they are in practice playing on a huge stage in a packed gym.”
The win was the team’s eighth in a row.
“It’s a good feeling but the job’s not finished,” Gajardo said. “We’re only halfway through the season so we’ve got to keep it up. Hopefully we can ride this momentum and consistency throughout the rest of the season.”
Brady Caligagan’s 3-pointer gave the Pirates a 15-14 lead before Independence went on its game-altering run to close the half. Joshua Villanueva had nine points during that 19-2 blitz, had 17 at halftime and finished with 26.
“I play with all the people I grew up with,” he said. “I play for them and I play for my family as well. Our key was our movement and playing as a team. We all trust each other and we all love each other with a bond that started last summer.”
“He’s a great captain, very vocal,” Gajardo said of Villanueva. “He works for it, makes sure everybody’s on the same page and keeps everybody accountable.”.
Elijah Thorn, Ethan Gualberto and Marcus Kawamoto scored 10 points apiece as Independence followed a 21-7 second quarter with a 20-8 third quarter.
Armin Dhindsa was a bright spot for Piedmont Hills with 12 points.
