A spirited effort by the No. 3 Williams Yellowjackets fell short last Friday night, as they were defeated 64-52 by the visiting No. 6 Modoc Braves in the second round of the Northern Section CIF Division V playoffs.
From the outset, the Braves used their size advantage to dominate the boards and jump start their transition game, but the ‘Jackets hung tough, clawing their way back to take a one-point lead with two minutes remaining in the third period.
Yet, in the end, a lack of practice time since returning from winter break and the loss of leading scorer Leo Trujillo hampered the Yellowjackets ability to contend with the Braves.
Brian Rosales led Williams with 22 points in the loss, while Miguel Rivera finished with 10 points in his final game for the ‘Jackets.
It was an unusual season for the Yellowjackets who were affected more so than any other county team by COVID protocols, however, the future looks bright as they should return Trujillo and Rosales along with four, others including Johny Alcaraz, Ty Howell, Izael Velazquez and Cristian Villa, all of whom saw significant playing time this year.
Additionally figuring into the mix will be a pair of recent JV call-ups in Kyden Bowen and Alexis Velazquez, who made their varsity debuts against Modoc.
Williams concluded the season 14-7 overall and third in the Mid-Valley League. ■