Williams’ Leo Trujillo lays in a basket between two Maxwell defenders in a game on November 29. Tapia scored 28 points in the Yellowjackets’ 83-52 win.Despite having just one practice due to COVID protocol, the Williams Yellowjackets boy’s basketball team showed few ill effects last Monday night as they overwhelmed the visiting Maxwell Panthers and claimed an 83-52 victory in the season opener for both teams.
Although a scrappy Panther team jumped out to an early 6-0 lead by capitalizing on ‘Jacket turnovers, once Williams found its rhythm, Maxwell took the lead and never looked back.
It was a performance that pleased Coach Jeff Lemus, given the limited practice time, and he likes what he has seen from his crew so far.
“We are always going to be at a height disadvantage, and we need to clean some things up, but we moved the ball well tonight and we definitely have some skill,” Lemus said.
Leading the way for the ‘Jackets, against the Panthers, was a pair of juniors in Leo Trujillo and Brian Rosales, a duo that should power the team offensively all season long.
Trujillo, who is bigger and stronger this year, poured in a game-high 28 points against Maxwell, showing range from beyond the arc in addition to muscling up shots in the paint.
Rosales, a high-energy player, exhibited a soft touch from the outside, but also an ability to finish at the rim, dropping 24 points and picking up some tough weak side boards as well.
Also pitching in for Williams, with eight points apiece, was Ty Howell, Miguel Rivera, and Izael Velazquez.
While Maxwell struggled to score at times, and had difficulty matching the Yellowjackets’ pace, they were not afraid to get on the floor or mix it up underneath, and should be commended for putting forth a spirited effort.
Shane Danley was the top scorer for the Panthers, with 17 points, while Dillon Dry added 13 points and Berto Lara chipped in with eight.
Maxwell was back at it the following evening, but fell 60-59 in heartbreaker on the road to Paradise Adventist, then picked up its first win of the season in Esparto last Friday by a score of 52-31.
Now 1-2, the Panthers commence play in their own Irene Wells Memorial Tournament tonight against Princeton at 7:30 PM.
Williams (1-0) hosted Live Oak on Dec. 6 and tips off in Maxwell this evening at 6 PM against Los Molinos.
