Wahluke boys basketball improves to 7-2 with win at Royal last weekend
Ted Escobar/The Sun Tribune - Wahluke’s Sergio Pineda attempts to block a shot by Royal’s Osiel Ramirez while Wahluke’s Ricky Cabrera awaits the result of the action.
MATTAWA — Wahluke High School continued to play winning basketball last weekend, edging Royal, 56-55, to advance its season record to 7-2 and SCAC East mark to 3-1.
The Warriors would probably have gone to 8-2, but Saturday’s clash with College Place was postponed due to extreme winter weather.
There was a big clash with league-leading Warden last night that was too late for press time. Friday and Saturday, the Warriors will host Burbank and Connell respectively. The College Place game will be played on Jan. 24.
The Royal game was as close as could be, from start to finish. Royal led after each of the first three periods, going to the fourth with a 44-42 lead.
Junior Sergio Pineda, who averages more than 20 points per game, led the Warriors with 20. He provided the winning margin with time running out.
Francisco Espindola missed a free throw that would have tied the score at 55-55 and probably thrown the game into overtime, but Pineda grabbed the rebound and put up the winning shot.
“We stayed composed and consistent for 32 minutes,” coach Clayton Buck said. “Good defense and support from the traveling Warrior Fans were factors in this road victory.”
In addition to his 20 points, the 6-3 Pineda produced 17 rebounds for the Warriors. Junior Ricky Cabrera, another league scoring leader, came up with 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
Senior Nathan Buck, who also averages in the double figures, scored 11 points, picked off seven rebounds and made five steals.
Abraham Olivares scored four points, Alex Valdez three, Espindola two, Josh Gatica one point.