An opportunity lost on the road, as the Escalon JV basketball boys took a tough 49-43 loss to Hilmar in action on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

“After every quarter we were only trailing by two,” said coach Nate Bartelink. “We came out flat, we saw a zone, which we have faced before, we had trouble finding offense.”

Bartelink said the team has to do a better job getting good looks from the outside when they are pressed by the zone, something that didn’t happen against Hilmar.

The Yellowjackets went up 9-7 after one, 17-15 at the half and 30-28 after three quarters. The host team then had a 19-15 run over the final eight minutes to seal the victory.

Despite the loss, the Cougars got 10 points from Caleb Hansen, nine from Sam Lattig and Timmy Wallace, and a seven-point, eight-rebound effort from Garrett Nebe.

“Friday for Homecoming, we got a 48-22 win over Hughson, it was a nice bounce back win and everyone got some good playing time,” said Bartelink.

A 9-3 Escalon lead after one was extended to 27-13 at the half as they were determined to get the win.

“Caleb Hansen had 10 points, so did Sam Lattig, Trent Avilla had nine,” Bartelink said. “We also got some good minutes from Trevor Weinbrecht and both Austin Murken and Logan Widmer gave us good minutes off the bench.”

A 12-2 run in the third quarter put the game out of reach for Hughson, and a 9-7 fourth quarter gave Escalon the 26-point win.

“We have a bye on Tuesday (Jan. 21) and then we are home for Modesto Christian on Friday, between now and then we will work on some stuff, find creative ways to score.”