ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – Although the emotion that often influences the outcome of rivalry games propelled the Bears to a strong start, they ultimately fell victim to a relentless RedHawk attack that resulted in a lopsided 41-75 Sacramento Valley League loss last Tuesday night at Natalie Corona Gymnasium.
Facing a distinct height disadvantage, Pierce played the RedHawks to a 14-14 tie in the first quarter yet was outscored 45-15 in the second and third quarters which ultimately allowed Colusa to cruise to a win over their county rival.
Drew Burnum finished the game with a team-high 22 points for the Bears, despite sitting much of the fourth quarter after taking an elbow to the face, while Alfonso Orozco and Gavin Guynn chipped in with eight points apiece.
Burnum, Pierce’s leading scorer this season, showed no ill effects, however, helping his team to edge Live Oak 44-43 three days later.
For Colusa, Landon Humphrey poured in a game-high 26 points against the Bears, but coach Brian Davis also pointed to contributions made by Luke Kalfsbeek and Seth Kalisuch, who finished with nine and 18 points, respectively.
“Luke came out of the gate hungry and aggressive and established himself in the post, then Seth hit those two big threes in the third quarter that really changed the momentum,” Davis said.
Davis also singled out the play of Peyton Humphrey, Nicko Mata, and Aiden Selover, whose effort and intensity he said helped his squad “zero in on defense” and free up Landon Humphrey and Kalisuch on offense.
Still, the RedHawks had a much tougher go of it last Friday at home against Durham, emerging with a 47-40 win over the Trojans.
Landon Humphrey set the pace with 14 points. Isaiah Travis finished with 11 points, while Kalfsbeek cleared 12 boards and made four steals.
Riding a seven-game win streak, Colusa (14-5, 6-0) played host to Winters on Jan. 22, Live Oak on Jan. 24, and will host Paradise tonight.
Pierce (6-5, 3-4) journeyed to Paradise on Monday, then returned home to play East Nicolaus on Wednesday, and will play Willows on Friday.