There was a gust of wind in the Hoover High boys’ basketball game against rival Glendale, one so large that it blew out the Nitros’ spark, and allowed Hoover to take took home the victory on Friday night. Hoover used a strong first quarter en route to a 51-33 season-ending victory.

With the game just starting, Hoover’s Anthony Van Patten hit the two of his four three-pointers in the first minute. Following the explosive start to the game, Van Patten, Daniel Simon and Michael Fernandez-Washington poured in 13 more points to end the quarter with a 19-9 Hoover lead. Van Patten finished with 14 points and two blocks. Fernandez-Washington had nine points and three steals.

By halftime, the Tornados kept a 12-point lead at 27-19. The game was looking grim for the Nitros, however favorable for the Tornados.

“We had ups and downs, COVID, but at the end of the day we stuck as family,” said Simon, regarding their season as a whole. 

This was the last game not only for the season, but for a few players as well. There were many seniors, such as Simon, Van Patten, Fernandez-Washington, Allen Akopyan, Simon Ovasepyan, David Khourdadjian, and Joshua Carranza.

Ovasapyan finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Khourdadjian had seven points and eight rebounds and Zack Van Patten had four rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

“It’s sad, but we had fun, and I made a new family,” said Michael Fernandez-Washington. “It’s my first year here, so it was fun.”