WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – While things haven’t come easy for the Yellowjackets thus far this season, the ball bounced their way last week, when after a disappointing loss to Portola on Jan. 13, they bounced back to triumph over Foresthill and Maxwell on Jan. 14 and 16 respectively.
In Portola for its Mid-Valley League opener, Williams was outscored 21-9 in the third quarter, which combined with their struggles from the charity stripe resulted in a 50-61 setback.
Miguel Murillo had a game-high 17 points and Diego Ambriz finished with 16, but only two other ‘Jackets broke into the scoring column.
Returning home the following evening, the Yellowjackets knocked down their free throws, came up with some big stops and outscored Foresthill 16-7 in the fourth quarter to earn the 55-45 victory in a non-conference game.
It was an effort that impressed Coach Jeff Lemus who said, “We competed tonight and made our free throws after going 7 for 28 in Portola. I’m really proud of the way our guys played.”
Ambriz, the ‘Jackets’ leading scorer thus far who is seventh in the Northern Section in that capacity, poured in 23 points, while Eric Lievanos turned in a strong performance with 15 points.
To round out their slate of games last week, Williams made the short trip to face county and MVL rival Maxwell, where they came alive in the fourth quarter to edge the Panthers 45-43.
Lemus reported that his squad was down four at intermission and tied going into the final period, but played tough defense and made some big shots at key junctures.
He specifically pointed to Murillo, who drained a pair of threes in the fourth quarter and to Moises Vargas, whose play at both ends of the floor was impressive.
Ambriz led the way with 13 points, while Harsimran Kahlon and Murillo subsequently pitched in with nine and eight points.
Hoping to sustain their momentum, the Yellowjackets (5-11, 1-1) hosted Hamilton City on Tuesday, CORE Butte on Wednesday ahead of their contest against Quincy this evening.