Holtville dropped its season opener against Elmore County last week but the spotlight was on junior Drake Baker throughout the night. Baker, a center who was playing in his first basketball game since tearing a ligament in his right elbow, led all players in points, rebounds and blocks.
“Drake is an amazing athlete,” Holtville coach Michael Collins said. “He’s one of those guys that comes through that you don’t get very often but you jump for joy when you do. He has court vision, he can jump, he can shoot.”
In September, Baker had surgery to repair a torn UCL after suffering the injury during football season. He was held out of football activities for six weeks and could not return to the quarterback position for the rest of the season.
Before the basketball season began, Collins said Baker would definitely be on the court but the coach expected Baker to be limited early in the season. Baker erased several of those doubts early in the game against Elmore County.
After falling behind 12-0 in the first quarter, Baker was the main reason for swinging momentum back to the Bulldogs. Two big blocks led to the first four points of the game for Holtville and Baker followed it with a breakaway dunk to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Holtville continued to feed the big man in the second quarter, leading to a lot of offensive success. Baker scored 12 points in the second quarter alone as the Bulldogs took a 31-24 lead into halftime.
“Usually, when you’re pressing and playing fast, your center is going to be your weakness,” Collins said. “But he’s fast; he’s aggressive. He can steal it and dribble it himself. He’s just a great player.”
Baker used that versatility to pack the stat sheet in the first half. Going into the break, Baker had 16 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists.
The Panthers responded in the second half and quieted Baker on the offensive end. Elmore County coach Rodney Taylor said the defense stepped up to the challenge, forcing Baker into tough shots and limiting him on the offensive glass.
Baker scored eight points in the second half, shooting just 4-for-9 from the field and missing a late free throw attempt. Elmore County stormed back and took a 65-64 lead with 15 seconds to go in the game. Baker had a chance to take the lead but his hook shot from just outside the paint fell short.
“He’s going to get better,” Collins said. “He’s coming right out of football and he’s not as conditioned as some of the other guys because of his injuries. He’s a competitor and a leader on this team.”
Baker finished the game with 24 points and 16 rebounds for the first of what is expected to be many double-doubles this season. He added five blocks, three assists and his two first-half steals.
Holtville started its season later than most teams, which allowed Baker to get closer to full strength for the season opener. However, now the team has to make up ground to match the in-game experience its opponents will have.
Baker will be at the center of the Bulldogs’ success on both ends of the court this season. And if the season opener was any indication, he will be up for the challenge.
