The Sierra High boys basketball team has history of success in the Robert Dominik Fuchs Memorial Holiday Classic hosted by Columbia College in Sonora.
On Tuesday, the Timberwolves tipped off the tournament with a resounding 66-44 over Modesto despite missing two starters to injuries. In its previous four appearances, Sierra won one championship, was the runner-up twice and placed third last season.
Sierra (7-3), which squares off with Summerville (6-1) today at 3 p.m. in the winners-bracket semifinals, dominated the Panthers with their trademark brand of basketball: hard-nosed defense and control of the boards. Sierra won the rebounding battle, 38-25.
Modesto tried to make it a transition game but found itself beaten at its own game 21-11 in the first quarter. One of its best players, 6-foot-4 forward James Waters, was held to five points.
“Defensively, we were pretty sound,” Sierra coach Scott Thomason said. “We were able to get off to a good start, then we just grinded it out and executed our game.”
With senior guard Eddie Andrade and 6-5 forward Jerrod Patton sidelined with injuries, sophomore Guillermo Nunez helped shoulder the load, finishing with 18 points, five assists and three steals.
Will Ward provided the muscle inside, adding 12 points and 12 rebounds. Grant Widmer filled in nicely for Patton and pitched in 10 points and nine boards. Edy Guzman contributed 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
“It was a team effort,” Thomason said. “It was nice to have four guys in double figures. We’ll build on this win and hopefully carry the momentum into (today’s) game against a very good Summerville team.”
Dylan Alexander led the way with 16 points, Zerrion Payton fired 12 and Andre Beard pulled down 12 rebounds to go with 11 points.
Weston Ranch heads to Lodi to face Tokay Thursday before closing out its non-league schedule with Chavez-Stockton at home Friday.
On Tuesday, the Timberwolves tipped off the tournament with a resounding 66-44 over Modesto despite missing two starters to injuries. In its previous four appearances, Sierra won one championship, was the runner-up twice and placed third last season.
Sierra (7-3), which squares off with Summerville (6-1) today at 3 p.m. in the winners-bracket semifinals, dominated the Panthers with their trademark brand of basketball: hard-nosed defense and control of the boards. Sierra won the rebounding battle, 38-25.
Modesto tried to make it a transition game but found itself beaten at its own game 21-11 in the first quarter. One of its best players, 6-foot-4 forward James Waters, was held to five points.
“Defensively, we were pretty sound,” Sierra coach Scott Thomason said. “We were able to get off to a good start, then we just grinded it out and executed our game.”
With senior guard Eddie Andrade and 6-5 forward Jerrod Patton sidelined with injuries, sophomore Guillermo Nunez helped shoulder the load, finishing with 18 points, five assists and three steals.
Will Ward provided the muscle inside, adding 12 points and 12 rebounds. Grant Widmer filled in nicely for Patton and pitched in 10 points and nine boards. Edy Guzman contributed 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
“It was a team effort,” Thomason said. “It was nice to have four guys in double figures. We’ll build on this win and hopefully carry the momentum into (today’s) game against a very good Summerville team.”
Non-league
Weston Ranch 69, Franklin 54
At Franklin, the Cougars (7-2) blew it open with a 19-8 third-quarter run before clearing the bench.Weston Ranch 69, Franklin 54
Dylan Alexander led the way with 16 points, Zerrion Payton fired 12 and Andre Beard pulled down 12 rebounds to go with 11 points.
Weston Ranch heads to Lodi to face Tokay Thursday before closing out its non-league schedule with Chavez-Stockton at home Friday.
