The Lancers came into the home of the Timberwolves believing they were the better team.
That’s according to coach East Union High coach Ryan Tarr after his squad pulled off the 60-48 Valley Oak League victory over crosstown rival Sierra on Thursday.
“We’re not the same team as the ones over the years,” he said.
One familiar face is Gyse Hulsebosch, who didn’t get untracked offensively until the second half.
He delivered 18 of his game-high 20, including four 3s from way beyond the arc while draped with defenders.
“Gyse has been doing that (to us) for the past three years,” said Timberwolves coach Scott Thomason, who was none too pleased with his team’s efforts.
He added: “We didn’t shoot the ball all that well. We were out-rebounded. They just outplayed us.”
Thomason also pointed out his team’s slow start at the outset
East Union (2-0 VOL, 9-5) jumped out to a 13-0 lead thanks to a pair of treys by Jordan Barajas and Blake Greenlee, and PJ Gill burying the mid range shot.
Sierra (1-1 VOL, 10-4) finally scored at the 2:02 mark of the first quarter. Sophomore forward Eduardo Jasso hit a free throw and followed that up with a put-back basket.
The Timberwolves got a boost off the bench from junior guard Jaime Ochoa, who came up with a steal and also drilled a 3.
Jamile Grady heated up in the second with a pair of 3s, and Ochoa had a steal and a basket, cutting the Lancers lead, 20-19.
East Union closed out the half with buckets by Jesse Anzar and Barajas, claiming a 26-22 advantage.
The Lancers kicked off the third with a 10-0 run as Hulsebosch was dialed in from long range.
That forced the Sierra defense to come out on him.
“I looked to get my teammates involved,” said Hulsebosch upon noticing the wide-open court spacing.
DJ Sahota, Angel Serna and Barajas helped out, too, helping East Union claim a 43-31 late in the third.
The Timberwolves clawed their way back in the fourth. Victor Elijah battled down low for his points and Parmvir Singh came through with a bucket, closing the gap, 50-44.
Bikram Thiara stole the inbounds pass and was subsequently fouled. He hit one of his two free throws to make it 50-45.
East Union closed out the game with an 8-3 run.
“I think we wore down Sierra at the end,” said Tarr.
For the Lancers, Barajas finished with 10 and Gill chipped with eight.
Greenlee, Sahota and Sena had six rebounds each.
Ochoa led the Timberwolves with 14 points and four steals. Elijah had 11 and nine boards.
Jasso and Grady both hit for seven.
