Friday, Jan. 25, 2013

Sophomore Panthers on top vs. Los Banos

Wednesday's sophomore version of the rivalry game between Los Banos and Pacheco's boys basketball teams offered a glimpse of both varsity teams' future at point guard.

Los Banos, with Jose Delacruz running the point, emerged victorious in a 42-32 win against Pacheco, with Octavio Jimenez at point guard.

The difference was in the supporting cast, with the athletic play of LB's Justin Delgado (9 points) and Brevin Welch (8 points) overcoming the inside dominance of Pacheco's Maurice Harden (8 points) and Frank Ginda (6 points).

The game also offered a glimpse of how tight the rivalry will be for years to come -- Pacheco managed just 11 points through the first three quarters, then exploded for 21 in the fourth. A Harden bucket with 2:05 remaining pulled the Panthers to 37-29, but the surge was too late.

Though the foul count was about even (Pacheco's 17 to LB's 14), the Pacheco fouls were more costly, sending LB players to the line for 28 free throws, where they converted 14 times (Delacruz was 6 of 10 from the line).

Delacruz led all scorers with 10 points. Jimenez scored 6, but stayed on the perimeter and didn't go to the free-throw line at all. Pacheco was just 5 of 17 from the charity stripe.

The freshman game wasn't as close, with Los Banos defeating Pacheco 41-17.

Enterprise reporter David Witte can be reached by phone at 388-6565 or by e-mail at sports@losbanosenterprise.com

Enterprise reporter David Witte can be reached by phone at 388-6565 or by e-mail at sports@losbanosenterprise.com