Two games on the schedule this past week were both Trans-Valley League games for Escalon’s varsity basketball girls … and both were victories.
“After playing Sonora at the Central Catholic Tournament on Dec. 29, we also started league play with them on January 7,” varsity head coach Joseph Dalpogetti said. “We led 18-0 at the end of the first quarter the first time we played. We talked about how the game would be closer the second time around and to not lose our composure if they hit a few shots early.”
But, the coach said that didn’t happen, as the Lady Cougar defense was swarming and they led it 21-0 at the end of the first quarter this time around. Escalon won by a 55-22 final.
“They opened up in a 2-3 zone and that let our shooters get going,” said Dalpogetti. “Madi Babasa and Ayana Cocio both had two 3’s in the opening frame and Madi had 20 points by halftime.”
In the second half, he said, Sonora did a better job of denying Babasa the ball, but that opened up opportunities for other players on the court.
“Ayana finished with 14 points including four 3’s and Ari Velasco had 10 points,” Dalpogetti said.
Friday night, the girls got to take the court against the Lady Yellowjackets in between the JV and varsity boys games, having the chance to share the Winter Homecoming spotlight.
“This is a newer tradition which we have grown to love,” Dalpogetti said. “Hilmar was coming in with the best record at 10-2 (overall) and 1-0 in league and we knew it would be a tough match.”
Escalon did get off to a slow start, the coach noted, before Babasa hit a couple of 3’s and the home team stretched the lead to 14-8 after one quarter.
“We continued to let them hang around in the second on a couple of desperation 3’s at the end of shot clocks that we did a poor job of contesting and led 24-17 at the half,” explained Dalpogetti.
Putting together a solid third quarter, Escalon outscored Hilmar 17-4 in that frame to lead it by 20 points headed into the fourth. They won by a 55-29 final.
“They denied Madi the ball which let Ari get downhill … she finished with 18,” Dalpogetti explained. “When Madi got loose she made them pay and finished with 18 as well.”
Freshman Avery Bartelink did a good job of finishing around the rim, said the coach, and had 13 points on the night.
For the two seniors on the team, Babasa and Cocio, having the chance to play at home in front of a large Friday night crowd was both fun and energizing.
“I think it’s really special, not for just me, but anyone who’s a senior especially, being included in Homecoming, it’s nice to be part of this amazing community,” Cocio said. “I’m just super grateful to have been able to play in front of people from our town here and get the big win.”
She also likes the chemistry that this year’s team is building.
“I think our team chemistry is really good. Basketball is not just the game itself, it’s the connections you form and ultimately, that’s really what matters and what you take away, and that’s what lasts the longest,” Cocio explained. “I’m super grateful that I get to play with this amazing group of girls.”
As one of the leaders of the varsity team, Babasa agreed that it was a chance for the squad to showcase their skills for a larger crowd than they normally see for their games.
“It means a lot … it’s just amazing to play on our home court, in front of a home audience, it’s just so special to get to do it as a senior and winning it, too,” Babasa said of being included in the Winter Homecoming slate of contests.
Though this season is a little bittersweet, since it will be her last for the Lady Cougars, she is enjoying working with a number of newcomers to the varsity squad.
“I feel like we’re very connected on the court,” Babasa said. “We all get along pretty well.”
The Lady Cougars finished the week at 2-0 in league, 13-4 overall.
