After starting last week by crushing Esparto 73-37 on the road, the Williams Yellowjackets captured the championship at East Nicolaus’s Love of the Game Tournament, which ran from Jan. 5–7.
Prior to the tournament’s start, Williams played a tune up game against Esparto, where four ‘Jackets finished in double figures.
Brian Rosales led the way with 22 points and Leo Trujillo had 12 points, while Daniel Brunner and Jonathan Alcaraz added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Opening play in East Nicolaus, Williams downed the host Spartans 50-40 behind 20 points from Trujillo and 15 from Rosales.
In the second round against Redding Christian, the Yellowjackets emerged 55-51 over a taller Lions squad.
Once again, Trujillo paced the ‘Jackets with 21 points, Rosales dropped in 15 more points, and Brunner chipped in with 12.
In their final contest, Williams took down county and league rival Maxwell by a 63-50 score.
Trujillo posted a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Kyden Bowen tallied 15 points including three from long distance, while Rosales had a nice all-round effort with seven points, six steals, and five boards.
Maxwell, who in the tournament came up short against Redding Christian 36-45 and edged East Nic 47-41 before falling to Williams in the finale, provided no statistics.
This week, the ‘Jackets (10-5) put their five-game win streak on the line when they commenced Mid-Valley League play in Los Molinos on Wednesday, ahead of a rematch with the Panthers (6-4) on Friday.
Maxwell was home against Hamilton City in its MVL opener on Wednesday, before making the short trip to Williams Friday evening. ■