Fernley boys build momentum for second half of league play

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

With two wins last weekend, the Fernley High School boys basketball team goes into the second half of league play on a four-game win streak.

The Vaqueros beat Dayton 55-42 last Friday and Truckee 51-48 Saturday afternoon.

Fernley is tied with Fallon for second place at 6-2, behind Elko, which leads the league at 8-0. South Tahoe is a game behind them at 5-3.

The Vaqueros controlled the game against Dayton more than the scoreboard shows. Fernley led by 20 early in the fourth quarter before Dayton cut the lead to 10 at 45-35 with 3:24 left in the game.

A 3-pointer by Zach Burns pushed the lead back to 12, and although Dayton got back within 9 points at 48-39, only 1:37 remained in the game.

“We had a little stretch there in the fourth, we’re up 20 and they cut it to 10, which you tip your hat to them, but I thought we had a couple mental lapses we’ve got to take care of,” coach Derek Miller said.

Drew Miller led the Vaqueros with 14 points, while Burns had 13, Dario Ceresola scored 8 and Russ Ortiz added 7.

“It was a game I was very nervous about all week,” Miller said. “We always have great games against Dayton and they beat some good teams.”

Saturday the Vaqueros held on to win a close game against Truckee. Fernley led throughout, but couldn’t open a comfortable margin.

“This was an ugly win for us, but I will take it,” Miller said. “Every time we had a chance to get a double digit lead they would hit a big shot, so you have to tip your hat.”

Ceresola and Burns both scored 13 points for Fernley, while Drew Miller and Rei Robinett both had 11.

“We looked a little tired from last night but we gutted it out and got a big win,” Miller said.

Fernley plays at Elko at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at Spring Creek at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.