By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pitman finishes the Falcons
Atwater remains winless as the Pride tie for first in CCC
PHS boys pic1
Pitmans Ryan Keaton keeps the ball away from a Falcon during Mondays win over Atwater. - photo by FRANKIE TOVAR / The Journal

Last Friday Pitman High followed up a huge win against rival Turlock with a disappointing loss to Merced High. On Monday the Pride were back in winning form when they hosted Atwater High. Pitman (5-2 CCC) defeated the Falcons (0-7 CCC), 65-52, in the first of three games this week.

“On any given day we can be beat so we have to make sure we come with our best performance when we’re on the court,” Pitman’s assistant coach Undrea Walker said.

Once again, the Pride’s key to success was their defense. Atwater was unable to get its offense started for most of the game as Pitman stole, intercepted and forced Falcon turnovers on a consistent basis. Zach Olson was an integral part of the defensive effort, recording eight steals and helping Pitman push the ball down the court.

“Our defense intensity was up and our players moved the ball,” Walker said. “Those are positives we can walk away with.”

Atwater hung with Pitman for the first quarter, trailing by a point a minute before the second quarter. Before the buzzer sounded Skyler Sexton hit a three pointer, however, igniting a second quarter scoring spree for the Pride. Kirk Meyer opened the second quarter with three straight treys, giving Pitman a comfortable lead to work with. Sexton (15 points), Trevor Pata (15 points), Ryan Keaton (11 points), and Olsen (10 points) helped lead Pitman to a 39-16 score by halftime.

Atwater was able to come out of halftime and put life into its offense. The Falcons outscored Pitman in both quarters of the second half, but the effort was not enough and came too late. Despite coming within nine points of the Pride, Atwater was unable to record its first league win.

“We closed the game out, which is good, but at the same time we have to get ready for our next opponent,” Walker said. “We take one game at a time.”

Pitman’s next game will be an important one as they face Buhach Colony High. Pitman, Buhach, and Golden Valley High are currently tied for first place in the CCC.

“We got to have our top players step up,” Walker said. “Skyler Sexton has to step up, Trevor Pata needs to show leadership and court vision and we need to rebound the ball.”

To contact Frankie Tovar, e-mail ftovar@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.