For at least two days, the Hollister High boys basketball team
has sole possession of the Tri-County Athletic League after holding
off a scrappy Gilroy team 50-44 Wednesday night in Gilroy.
For at least two days, the Hollister High boys basketball team has sole possession of the Tri-County Athletic League after holding off a scrappy Gilroy team 50-44 Wednesday night in Gilroy.
Hollister is 2-0 in league and an unprecedented 16-3 overall. Salinas (1-0) and Palma (1-0) don’t play until Friday.
“It was a packed house,” said Baler head coach David Kaplansky. “I have to thank our supporters who have followed us this year. Gilroy was co-champ last year and they played us tough. It was the most physical game we played in all year. You can’t take a night off in this league.”
The Balers won despite horrid free throw shooting – they were just 10 of 27 from the line (37 percent). The Mustangs (6-9, 0-2) stayed in the game when the Balers were 4 for 14 from the line in the fourth period.
“I don’t know what it is,” said Kaplansky. “We practice all the time shooting when we’re tired. We kept our composure against their press, but we didn’t do it at the free throw line.”
Kyle Sharp led the Balers with 20 points.
“They did a good job of taking Kyle out of his game,” said Kaplansky.
The Balers, with a height advantage against the Mustangs, had the bulk of their scoring from the front line. Center Anthony Butler had 11 points while Kevin Zanella came off the bench to knock down another 11.
“Kevin had an outstanding game,” said Kaplansky. “He played great.”
The Balers are at North Salinas on Tuesday.
