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Team Effort Carries Frosh Boys To Win
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It was one of those great games.

Everyone got to play, nearly everyone scored and Escalon's freshmen upended visiting Turlock Christian, 54-24.

The contest at Escalon was played on Tuesday, Dec. 21 during the holiday break from school, getting the frosh boys on the court for some competition.

"Ten of our 13 players scored," said coach Nate Bartelink. "We had time to get everyone in and we worked on a lot of things."

Escalon took control early, roaring out to an 18-6 lead over the visitors in the first quarter. They kept the pressure on with a 10-4 run in the second to lead it 28-10 at the half.

"At that point, we were pretty sure we had it," Bartelink said. "But I didn't want them to let down, I don't want them to pick up any bad habits."

Second half play, subsequently, was solid as well for the young Cougars, outscoring Turlock Christian 14-9 in the third and 12-5 in the fourth quarter.

"Garrett Hawkins had his best game of the year, he had 12 points and 10 of them were in the first half," Bartelink said. "Joe Cowan had 10 points, eight of them in the first half so they did their scoring early."

Coming off the bench to provide some valuable minutes was Thomas Ray, who contributed eight points and hit a couple of 3-point baskets.

"We also got some good minutes from Rocky Overturf and Anthony Aho, both off the bench," noted Bartelink.

The game was the first one at home for the young team and Bartelink said he was pleased with the fan turnout for the rare afternoon contest.

"We have great support from our parents," the coach said. "And since it was our first game at home, the kids were pretty excited."

Notching the win made it even better, and the squad improved to 6-3 on the season.

"It was a great game," Bartelink said.

The Cougars will be back in action Thursday, Dec. 30, on the road for a 1 p.m. contest at Turlock Christian, then go to Calaveras for a Tuesday, Jan. 4 game.