Orestimba High boys’ basketball team concluded its final game of the previous calendar year with a 81-40 win against Millennium High on Dec. 29.

Three players scored in double digits for the Warriors as senior Rudy Corona led with 25 points. Corona scored the majority of baskets in the paint and in transition. He also knocked down three 3-pointers. The senior player said he focused on taking advantage of Millenium’s defense in the paint.

“I feel like my advantage was driving in [the paint] a lot,” Corona said. “I feel like the defense was sleeping on defense a lot, like they let us just go through.”

Following Corona were senior players Jaden Sotelo and Traveyon Wright Jr. with 19 points and 12 points, respectively. 

Throughout the game, the Warriors found success in scoring in the paint and in transition. Additionally, Orestimba outrebounded Millennium, which led to them scoring second-chance points. 

A recurring theme in the team’s losses this season is allowing points in transition. During last Monday’s game, Orestimba had its best performance of the season in limiting fastbreak opportunities.

While the defensive performance was an improvement, head coach Donald Dudley said the team still has to keep improving, but believes it’s a step in the right direction. 

“I would like a little bit more, and we’re gonna watch film and do better at that. I do like that at least we’re now able to have a conversation,” he said. 

The Warriors ran a full-court press whenever the Falcons dribbled down the court, resulting in multiple 8-second violations and turnovers that led to scoring opportunities for Orestimba in the first half. Led by Corona’s 18 first half points, Orestimba led 45-24 going into the third quarter

The lead was enough for Orestimba to continue its momentum as the team outscored Millenium 36-16 in the second half.   

Now at 6-8 overall, Orestimba will conclude its non-league slate this week starting with Stone Ride Christian High on road on Monday at 7 p.m. Dudley said he looks forward to Trans-Valley League play, praising the TVL’s competitiveness.

“It’s a very physical league,” he said. “And I just want to be part of that competitiveness and tell the kids, ‘We want to have fun.’”