It was another rough week for Escalon’s JV boys on the hardwood, as the squad fell in a trio of Trans-Valley League contests.

Head coach Brandon Hoover said they opened up with a hard fought loss to Livingston, pushing the visiting Wolves to overtime but ultimately coming up short, 68-57.

DeSean Owens had 23 points on the night and Zack Valencia also did a good job, both in rebounding and notching three 3-point baskets.

“He chipped in with 16 points overall and had his best game of the year,” Hoover said of Valencia.

Escalon had a 43-39 lead at the half but Livingston gave them a little more than they could handle late in the game.

Thursday, the team traveled to Hughson and it was another close contest, the JV Cougars losing 63-58.

“I thought the effort was there and I was proud of how the kids competed,” said Hoover. “Hughson was a very physical team.”

Seven players scored for Escalon, paced by Owens with 14.

“Mark-Anthony Valente had nine points and seven rebounds, he just really gave us a lot of energy,” noted Hoover.

Friday, Jan. 24 the JV team hosted Hilmar and it was a 10-point decision, losing 63-53 to the Yellowjackets.

“It was probably the most disappointing loss of the season, it was the opposite of Thursday, we just didn’t have any energy,” Hoover explained. “The one bright spot in the game was Bryce McKenzie, he came in in the fourth quarter and scored five points for us, he has had a great attitude all year.”

Logan Anderson and Jack Anderson had 10 points apiece in the loss.

Riverbank comes to town on Friday, Jan. 31 with JV tip off at 5:30 p.m.

FRESHMEN

The youngest Cougars had a bit of an up and down week, starting out with a loss to Livingston on Jan. 21.

“They hit 10 or 12 three’s so it was not as close as it could have been,” explained head coach Dave Anderson. “I was happy with the way we played.”

Thursday at Hughson the frosh boys went to overtime and lost the close game by just four points. Ayden Wilson was the leading scorer with 15 points.

Friday night, they wrapped up the week with a two-point win, defeating Hilmar by a 58-56 final.

“Cam Ruiz played well, he was in double digits,” said Anderson. “Also, Ayden did a good job rebounding and scoring.”

The freshmen kick off the trio of Homecoming games on Friday, Jan. 31 hosting Riverbank at 4:30 p.m.