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Pride take second in Ceres tourney
PHS boys bball pic1
Pitmans Skyler Sexton hits a layup after stealing the ball from a Patriot. - photo by FRANKIE TOVAR / The Journal

One of Pitman High’s goals coming into this year’s basketball season was to earn a first place tournament finish before league play began. After finishing 3rd in the Frank Godinez tournament the Pride’s last shot at their short-term goal was the Ceres tournament, where they got off to a shaky start.

Pitman fell to Modest Christian High in the first round but was able to bounce back, defeating Ceres High 68-50 in the second round and finishing Beyer High in the third round 55-44. Pitman was unable to fulfill their preseason goal, finishing in second place at the tournament’s end. Now, the Pride will begin working towards their ultimate goal, a CCC league championship.

“Some teams set goals that are far reaching goals and not really attainable,” Pitman’s assistant coach Undrea Walker said. “These kids feel that their goals are attainable.”

The Pride (8-4) showcased a stout defense Thursday night against the Patriots (5-9) that was complimented by a productive and precise offensive effort. Pitman’s Skyler Sexton led the charge, finishing the game with 15 points. Sexton’s pair of three point shots in the first quarter served as the Pride’s offensive catalyst; helping them take a sizeable lead over Beyer.

After the half Pitman protected and extended a 10-point lead by forcing Beyer into an offensive freeze. The Patriots were unable to prevent turnovers and scored a mere 12 points in the third quarter.

“Defensively, we were solid the entire tournament,” Walker said.

Pitman led by as many as 20 points before Beyer’s Josh Fenech led an 11-point run with three back to a back three-point shots in the fourth.

“They are in a good position in regards to coming off a few wins and building confidence,” Walker said. “The kids will enjoy their Christmas for a couple of days then we’ll get back at it and get ready for league play. There’s no rest for the weary.”

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