Lathrop couldn’t overcome a lackluster start in a 61-44 loss to visiting Kimball on Friday.

The Jaguars (6-7 Valley Oak League, 11-13 overall) of Tracy got all the separation they needed with a 19-5 first quarter. Lathrop (3-10, 4-22) was competitive over the final three quarters but couldn’t make up the gap.

“We played with them for three quarters, but we just couldn’t do anything right in the first quarter,” Lathrop coach Nathan McGrath said. “We lacked defensive intensity and they really outhustled, outworked and outrebounded us. It was our senior night and we weren’t ready to play at the start of the game.”

Two of the Spartans’ six seniors honored Friday led the way. Isaiah Ellis was their top scorer, and Avraj Bal chimed in with three made 3s. Lathrop’s season ends next Tuesday against VOL champion Sierra on the road.



Sophomore

Lathrop 59, Kimball 51

The Spartans gave ground in the second half after leading 43-21 at the break, but they were able to hold on for the victory.

Michael Mills paced Lathrop with 18 points and was complemented by Isais Hunter’s 15 points and Idowu Olaye’s 13.



Freshman

Kimball 59, Lathrop 52

Foul troubled stumped the Spartans (6-7) after a strong first half.

Kimball overcame Dan Ballesteros’ 20-point outburst and a double-double effort from Colin Weis, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds.