In the second game against Palma on the road, the Balers took advantage of the shorthanded Chieftains and won 50-48 in Salinas on Wednesday.
The victory gives the Balers, now 15-2 overall, a two-game lead over the Chieftains inside the Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division Standings.
It was far from easy for the Balers, who traded score-for-score with the Chieftains over the first 16 minutes.
“The kids’ good start really helped us,” SBHS head coach David Kaplansky said. “The kids are playing with a lot of confidence right now.”
Palma eventually carried a three-point lead into the half, but it didn’t last long in the third quarter. Behind 18 points from Jacob Tonascia, San Benito controlled the second half, scoring 29 points to Palma’s 24.
All five starters contributed points for the Balers in the win. Hyram Miskin continued his strong week with 15 points. Michael Breen and Brian Becerra each added six points and Robert Henderson rounded out the scoring with five points.
The Balers played well defensively, holding Palma to only six 3-point shots. Peter Lucas led the Chieftains with 14 points in the loss.
“It’s a big win for us,” Kaplansky said. “Palma is a great team.”
San Benito’s season continues Wednesday when they host Alvarez at 7 p.m.
SBHS wrestling
The Balers wrestling team improved to 2-1 in MBL dual meets Wednesday, holing onto a 40-31 victory over Alisal in Hollister.
San Benito got off to a great start with pins by Alejandro Banuelos (195), J.J. Melo (220) and Alex Gonazales (285). Afterward, though, San Benito struggled to keep its momentum. But victories by Elijah Riddle (120), Robb Rodriguez (138), Julian Perez (152), Simon Coelho (160) and Tim Castillo (182) clinched the Balers victory.
The win gives San Benito some momentum entering Friday’s MidCals tournament in Gilroy.
AHS boys soccer
With three goals in both the first and second halves Wednesday, the Hawks defeated York 6-2 to improve to 2-2 inside the Mission Trail Athletic League.
Basilio Mejia scored three goals for the Hawks, who never trailed in the game’s 80 minutes. He assisted on two others. Diego Leon, Alejandro Jarra and Sergio Gonzalez each added a goal in the victory. Andres Munoz assisted on four of the Hawks’ six goals.
Anzar took a 3-0 halftime lead after Mejia scored twice in the opening 40 minutes on assists by Munoz.
The victory gives the Hawks a 5-3-1 overall record. Anzar travels to Soledad at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
