The De Anza Dons men’s basketball team showcased exceptional promise for the upcoming season in their 79-57 win against Porterville on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The Dons were in tip-top form against one of California’s strongest offensive teams.

Leading the Dons in scoring was freshman guard Ahmad Young, who had an impressive 3-point streak in the first half and finished the night with 21 points.

In addition to Young’s performance, four other Dons also found themselves in double-digit territory.

The first half was an exhibition of defensive precision. The Dons scored 34 points, which towered over Porterville’s 18-point performance.

De Anza head coach Jason Damjanovic credited the containment to the team staying out of foul trouble and playing in sync.

The Dons totaled just six fouls in the first half, leaving plenty of room for aggressive defending and offensive maintenance.

While commenting on key role players, Damjanovic took a turn to highlight the defensive chemistry that helped secure the night’s win.

“It was really the team effort on defense that helped carry us to victory,” Damjanovic said.

The entire team, from coaches to role players and those on the court, radiated with support throughout the game, celebrating more than just baskets.

Things jumpstarted offensively for the Dons in the second half.`

Porterville is well-known for their offensive prowess. Last season, they averaged around 84 points per game. As impressive of a statistic as this might be, it offered little resistance to the Dons’ dominance on both ends of the court.

Though Porterville picked up the tempo and scored 39 points in the second half, the Dons’ offensive spontaneity and reliance on efficient ball movement fortified the scoring divide, creating as large as a 20-point lead at one point in the second half.

The Dons’ victory offered an optimistic and exciting outlook for the season going forward. Damjanovic had nothing but praise for his team, and his players deservingly celebrated during and after the game’s final minutes.

The Dons will head to Lancaster, CA for the Antelope Valley Tournament Dec. 1-3. After putting on an outstanding performance Wednesday, Damjanovic and the Dons look eager to show out and continue in good form.