Carlsbad High School’s boys basketball, after a rocky start to the season, found a second wind allowing them to head into the crucial cross league and league play of the second half of the season.

Jan. 10 was the Camo Out for boys varsity basketball, the crowd’s attire was sprinkled with bits and pieces of camouflage ranging from actual hunting gear to bathrobes, snuggies and even a camouflage Morph Suit. The Lancers were visited by the Oceanside Pirates. Varsity basketball won against the Pirates 68-46 in this 20 point blowout.

The Lancers were first to put points on the board by a drive to the basket by senior Matt Tomaneng. The Lancers took the lead for the rest of the game. The tough defense did not allow for easy points for the Pirates. After out rebounding Oceanside greatly on the boards, Carlsbad had many second chances for baskets. Ball movement allowed for points in the paint for big men such as Chase Ogden and Steven Dreifuss.

The stars of the game included Matt Tomenang, senior forward with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Also Taylor Bloomquist who was 3 0f 4 from the three point line while also getting fouled on a lay up and making the free throw to top it off.  It was an overall team effort with both starters and bench players contributing to the score.

“I felt really good we beat them by 22 and winning by more than 20 is always a great feelings. The team never let up with our defense and rebounding,” senior forward Bloomquist said.

Oceanside player William Christmas tried to keep the game interesting at times hitting multiple three pointers and a few steals.

Crowd support was definitely a factor with the Loud Crowd representing proudly at the game in camouflage attire, keeping the spirits high with chants and clapping. The crowd seemed to find a ritual with free throws, standing quietly with one finger pointed led by senior Sterling Woodward,which had some success for Lancers, who shot well from the foul line.

“It’s always nice to beat a cross town team and even better when it’s a cross league game. It was great to play in front of this awesome crowd,” Tomenang said.

A very solid win in league play for the Lancers, Carlsbad is now 8-1 since getting back senior point guard Sean Deng and 11-6 overall. After improving from their 2-5 at the beginning of the season the Lancers look forward to the rest of the season with optimism.

“Our team unity has really grown after winning 9 of our last 10. We really support one other through the ups and downs of the season,” Bloomquist said.

The next home game for the Lancers is Jan. 24th against Fallbrook with the dress up theme of Pajama Night, with  upcoming challenges against Vista and La Costa Canyon in their schedule. The next upcoming dress up game is a White-Out Game against Vista on Jan. 29 where people in attendance are to wear white clothing and stay silent up until the tenth point is scored for the Lancers. When the tenth point is finally scored make sure to erupt in the loudest cheer possible.