TRACY — A tough first-round loss to Linden has the Tom Hawkins/Tracy Breakfast Lions Tournament’s defending champion East Union Lancers in the consolation bracket.
But they have reason to get up for their next game after dealing co-host West a 58-36 defeat. Lexy Posz fired in 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists to lead the7-2 Lancers.
East Union will meet Valley Oak League and intracity rival Manteca tonight at 6 back at West High. The winner will play for the consolation title Wednesday at Tracy High.
While it’s common for coaches to cringe at the thought of playing conference opponents during the non-league season, East Union coach Jim Agostini said his players are looking forward to facing Manteca.
“They did their part and we did ours,” Agostini said. “I don’t mind at all, it’s just another basketball game.”
West (1-10) did well to keep up early, trailing just 14-13 after the first. East Union slowly distance itself from the Wolf Pack before ending the contest on a 12-4 run.
“I thought we had a lackluster first half,” Agostini said. “But we turned it up defensively, which turned up the offense.”
Senior guard Krystal Young continued her recent tear, chipping in 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals for the Lancers. She has scored more than 15 points in five straight contests.
Rachel O’Neal provided a huge presence in the post, where she pulled down 11 rebounds to go with four blocks and four steals. Sophomore forward Shalane Jackson contributed six points and six rebounds.
East Union committed 18 turnovers but made it up with 20 assists and 22 steals.
“We’re seeing signs,” Agostini said. “You don’t win league championships in the Tracy Tournament, but it’s a good checkpoint to see where we stack up against our opponents in league. We’ll get a good look tomorrow.”
Manteca 72, Los Banos 54
Sharon Washington paced the Buffaloes (5-4) with 27 points and eight steals, and freshman guard Mikayla Hasal added 11 points.
Manteca led comfortably 22-11 after the first quarter, but coach Andrea Hiatt wasn’t completely pleased.
“We had an 11-point lead but it felt like we were playing sloppy,” Hiatt said.
