ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – Pierce started 2024 off right by ending its nine-game skid when it tipped off Sacramento Valley League play with consecutive wins over Willows and Winters.
On the road in Willows last Wednesday, despite leading by only a single point after the first quarter, the Bears pulled away and cruised past the Honkers 58-36.
Alfonso Orozco poured in 21 points to lead Pierce, while Drew Burnum chipped in with 12 points.
Returning home to face Winters on Jan. 5, the Bears played good team defense and as a result were able to withstand runs by the Warriors to come away with the 49-39 victory.
Burnum had a big night with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double to set the pace, but fellow junior Gavin Guynn made significant contributions as well, pulling down 10 boards to go long with eight points.
Orozco turned in another solid effort finishing with eight points and six rebounds.
Pierce (5-11, 2-0) had three SVL contests this week, which started at home against Paradise on Jan. 8 ahead of road games in Durham on Jan. 10 and East Nicolaus on Jan. 12.