The Cavs varsity boys basketball team took home a win against the Faith Chrisitan Lions with a  score of 43-31 on Jan. 20.

Junior center Jacob Chand led the Cavs with 12 points. Chand was a dominating presence in the paint on both ends of the court, leading with strong communication and eight rebounds throughout the game.

“I stopped trying to settle for jump shots and I went into the paint,” Chand said. “And my teammates made some really good passes to make it pretty easy for me.”

Chand was still able to put up nine points after suffering a hit to the face in the second quarter.

“He played a good second half,” Coach David Ancrum said. “Tough guy—he got his tooth jacked up, and he’s still out there to compete.”

Junior small forward Ryan Paul also had a standout performance. Paul drew five fouls and scored five free throws throughout the game. 

Paul’s performance in the Lion’s half resulted in three of Faith’s starters fouling out of the game — one of whom was the team’s best shooter, according to junior point guard RJ Vargo.

Coach David Ancrum said the game was the first time with the full team together with the return of junior point guard RJ Vargo.

 “You know, we didn’t turn the ball over,” Ancrum said. “RJ’s back now so everybody’s in their original space.”

Vargo had been out of competition to rehabilitate after tearing his labrum during the Cavalier’s varsity soccer team’s section championship win on Oct. 30.

In Vargo’s absence, junior point guards Felix Wu and Jonah Angelo-David had to work together to fill the gap, but with Vargo’s return, the team can return to their old form.

Vargo’s teammates appreciated his return. 

“He has always had the leadership mentality,” Chand said. “Coupled with really strong court vision, he gives us more threats on offense.”

Vargo contributed nine points and led the team with two assists.

“He’s a natural point guard,’’ Ancrum said. 

Vargo also felt that the team played together well to lead them to victory.

“I think together we played better than anyone’s individual performance,” Vargo said.

The Cavs’ next home game is against the Cristo Rey Saints at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

— By Adam Akins