Escalon’s youngest Cougars, the freshmen, continued league play this past week and were home against Hughson on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The game went in the books as a TVL victory for the frosh squad, taking it by a 15-point margin over the Huskies.

The Cougars were up for the challenge, but were down 14-8 at the end of the first quarter. They battled back and were ahead 26-25 at halftime. In the second half, the frosh boys were able to take control of the game, limiting visiting Hughson to just 11 points over the final two periods. Escalon, meanwhile, nearly doubled their offensive production from the first half, leaving the court with a 51-36 win.

On Friday, it was a road game for the frosh boys as the Cougars traveled to Hilmar. The host Yellowjackets had their Homecoming in full swing and the Cougars were ready to spoil the party.

The plan worked well, as the freshmen were leading Hilmar at halftime and never looked back, playing to a 60-31 final.

Mike Carroll had 20 points and Frank Leal added 10 points of his own. With the pair of wins this week, the team improved to 14-5 overall and got back into the thick of the battle for TVL honors.

They were slated to host Mountain House in a 4:30 p.m. contest Tuesday, after The Times went to press and will be back on the home court to start second round play on Feb. 2. They have a bye this Friday to close out the first half of league action.