The winning streak continues for Escalon’s JV basketball boys. They have now won 12 in a row, with three wins going on the books this past week.
They were winners in their non-league finale on the road at Argonaut and then defeated their first two Trans-Valley League opponents, Riverbank and Ripon Christian.
“We beat Argonaut Monday, 79 to 65, Riverbank Wednesday 62 to 45, and RC Friday 57 to 43,” said head coach Dave Anderson. “We’ve won 12 straight, record is 15-3 and 2-0 in league.”
Anderson said it was an important week for the team, coming off the JV run to the championship in the Cougar Christmas Classic over the holiday break.
“Very proud of them after winning the tournament and not having a letdown the next week including two league games,” Anderson said.
After getting the win at Argonaut, paced by the 23-point night from Ryan Lewis, the JV boys found themselves trailing Riverbank by 11 points at the half in their TVL opener.
“We exploded in the second half and scored 45 points to their 17,” Anderson said of the strong third and fourth quarters for his team.
Lewis and Ryan Murphy had 23 points apiece, Jacob Augusto added 10.Also handling Ripon Christian on the road, Ben Ferreira was leading scorer and had a tremendous overall effort, with 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Dom Arauza had six points, five rebounds and three steals.
FRESHMEN
Two losses in two games was the outcome for Escalon High’s youngest basketball players, the freshmen. They did not play at Argonaut since the Mustangs don’t field a freshman team, but did start the league season with road games at Riverbank and Ripon Christian.
“Wednesday night we were at the Bruin Den and faced a vintage tough defensive-minded Bruin team,” said head coach Steve Largent. “After falling behind early we battled back and had a lead after halftime and the third quarter. I was proud of the toughness we exhibited as we showed signs of a team getting tougher and growing in many different facets of the game.”
But, Riverbank’s sharpshooter got hot and the Cougar effort fell short after a disappointing fourth quarter, said the coach.
“Andrew Armosino played a really good game and gave us 10 points off the bench,” noted Largent. “Isaac Petalio contributed 10 points as well and did a good job handling the intense defensive pressure Riverbank put on him.”
Friday night, the squad traveled to face Ripon Christian and got a rude welcome to the Knights gym, pummeled by the host team.
“We just had a real difficult time matching their size and strength,” Largent said. “Mason Fiser contributed six points and put in a solid defensive effort.”
The freshmen are eager to get back on the court this week in pursuit of a league victory.
