ESCALON — A 15-point  Hilmar High deficit at the half suddenly expanded in the midst of a 21-8 third quarter run for Escalon’s varsity boys basketball team as abysmal scoring plagued the Yellowjackets throughout a 56-33 Trans Valley League defeat on Tuesday.
Hilmar converted just one field goal in the opening period, managed only 11 points at the half and didn’t find offensive success until a 14-point fourth quarter effort against Escalon reserves.
“You can’t score 11 points in a half and expect to be in many basketball games,” Hilmar coach Danny Freitas said afterwards. “You can’t score 33 points total and expect to win either.”
Escalon rallied behind the efforts of six-foot senior guard Alec Von Alvensleban, who scored 12 of his game-high 20 points (two treys) in the third quarter.
Hilmar’s Jordan Ahid fought to net a team-high 14 points and was also a force in the paint with a host of second half rebounds. Austin Bispo chipped in five points for Hilmar while Trevor Mattos and Robert Lindo each scored four. Justin Granados (2), Chancellor Adams (2), Daniel Corrales (1) and Ben Balswick (1) also found the net.
The loss drops Hilmar to 7-12 overall, 0-4 in TVL play. The Yellowjackets have a good shot to get back to their winning ways during a meeting today with Orestimba (5-13, 0-3).