Turlock High varsity boys basketball hosted Pitman High on Wednesday afternoon in a crucial league game that was a must-win for each side if they wished to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Bulldogs were anchored by five players who scored in double digits while they handled the Pride with a second half effort to win it, 81-62.
“We moved the ball well last night and just had a good night shooting,” said Turlock head coach Doug Cornfoot. “Whenever there is the rivalry game it is always competitive no matter what the record is and emotions were high and we hit our stride after making adjustments at halftime and got up by 20 in the third. We’re coming out ready to play and staying with what our system is.”
“Bad game is what happened, I wish I knew, young team and still learning all parts and concepts of playing the game,” said Pitman head coach Harvey Marable. “We have learning curves and working on reducing turnovers and we did in this game, but the third buried us.”
Turlock won their fourth game in their last five league games, including three straight.
The Pride fell for the fourth time in the last five games after the loss from the Dog Pound gym.
“They all played well, they had five guys in double figures,” said Marable about facing Turlock.
Cole Carrigg led the way for Turlock with a game-high 25 points while Cam Walker (15), Ty Lott (10), Cam Sherwood (10) and Ryan Green (10) each followed up with double digits.
“We looked at it as we had four of the first five games at home, so we had to take advantage of playing at home cause starting next, most games are on the road with the crowd and everything,” said Cornfoot.
Turlock led 18-14 after the first then once again saw the same scoring in the second that made it 36-28 at halftime.
Following the break at the half, Turlock came out and put the game away for good as they outscored Pitman in the third, 23-10.
Turlock led by as many as 23 points.
“After the first it was 18-14, then 36-28, which is not a big problem, but Turlock played well and capitalized on our young mistakes we made and right now we are just weathering the storm and building confidence,” said Marable.
Pitman outscored Turlock in the fourth 24-22, but it wasn’t enough to mount any sort of comeback.
Pitman’s top scorer was Josiah Frank, who finished with a team-high 21 points and was the lone Pride player in double figures.
“One thing is that this was all road league games and we will be at home now and I have to believe we will continue to grow and improve. It is a young team, one senior starting,” said Marable. “…We have to keep working on areas to improve and our offense is running and we have to plug the holes defensively”
Pitman’s next game will be at home against Gregori at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Turlock will next host Modesto High at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday.
“We have to prove we can win on the road. We had one road game and lost to Modesto High, right now we have to show what we can win on the road, one game at a time, and go on the road. We match up with everyone, we just have to come out and compete and stay focused,” Cornfoot added.
