COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Having lost their last regular season game and then having a week to think about it, the RedHawks showed no ill-effects last Friday night in their Northern Section CIF Division IV playoff game as they easily took down visiting Lassen 66-49.
Although it was a bit of a slow start for No. 3 Colusa, it erupted for 28 points in the second quarter to take a 40-25 lead at intermission.
Sparking the rally was senior guard Seth Kalisuch, who started the period with two deep threes then closed it out with a two-point buzzer beater, as he accounted for 13 points in the eight minute span.
The RedHawks continued to push the pace in the second half, controlling the boards and opening up their offense in what was a true team win.
Kalisuch finished with a team-high 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds, Luke Kalfsbeek had a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Landon Humphrey and Brayden Newgard pitched in with 14 points apiece.
Reflecting after the game on what worked well, Coach Brian Davis specifically touched on the play of several of his seniors saying, “Luke was a force in the paint tonight. I also think our guards played well off each other as Landon took it to the basket then kicked it back out to our shooters, Seth and Brayden. Lastly, our defense is really what won the game and Peyton (Humphrey) was the key to it.”
Yet, Davis also singled out the play of junior Jace Mackaben, who entered the starting lineup in the absence of Isaiah Travis and without question made his presence felt with nine rebounds and six points, which drew praise from Davis.
“I thought Jace stepping up when his number was called was huge for us tonight,” Davis said.
With the win over Lassen, Colusa (22-6) made the trip to Redding to take on No. 2 U-Prep, the team that defeated it in last year’s section title game.
The winner of the semifinal round advanced to the championship to face either No.1 Gridley or No. 4 Orland on Feb. 24 at Shasta College.