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Pitman snaps Turlocks 8 game win streak
THSvPHS girls pic1
Marissa Marable avoids Turlocks Lindy Avila on her way to the basket during Pitmans Tuesday night win. - photo by FRANKIE TOVAR / The Journal

Pitman High’s girls basketball team avenged its previous loss to Turlock High Tuesday night at home. The Pride held a lead for more than three quarters in their 52-27 win, showcasing accurate shooting and a strong team defense.

Pitman trailed once, early in the first quarter, but broke two ties to eventually hold a 14-8 lead at the beginning of the second quarter. Turlock had a number of scoring opportunities and open looks at the basket but a combination of Pride pressure and missed shots held the Bulldogs to their lowest scoring performance in CCC play.

“We adjusted our press and we adjusted our press often,” Pitman’s head coach Keith Larsen said.  “We’ve been really defending well, I think they’re getting it and I’m just really happy.”

Pitman took advantage of Turlock mistakes to generate much needed momentum, scoring off of fast breaks and free throws early and often. Unlike their last meeting with Turlock, the Pride won the free throw battle stepping up to the line 10 times whereas the Bulldogs only took three free throw shots. Pitman’s Morgan Renshaw led its offense, aggressively driving the ball down the court and to the basket for 18 points on the night. In addition to accurate free throw shooting Pitman benefited from an accurate three point game, draining five treys and a triple bonus.

The Pride held a consistent double digit lead over Turlock the entire second half. Pitman crowded Turlock’s shooters, eliminating scoring lanes and frustrating the Bulldogs. The victory is the Pride’s fourth straight win, placing them in second place in the CCC at the end of the second round of league competition. Despite the loss Turlock, still stands atop the CCC standings at number one.

“We’re just one game away from Turlock. We just need to win the rest and hopefully beat Turlock again,” Larsen said. “I like the way they’re playing, I like their energy. They’re coming together.”

Pitman will face Merced High on Thursday night at Merced. Turlock will travel to Atwater and face Buhach Colony on Thursday.

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