Girls hoops team off to fast start

Mariposa County High School’s girls basketball team grabbed another set of wins before heading off for the holiday break.

The Grizzlies hosted the Warriors from Orestimba on Friday, Dec. 19 at MCHS.

Both JV and varsity continued to shine as JV finished 59-11 while the varsity team won 60-53.

“Our girls did an excellent job of just playing basketball,” said coach Joe Lewis.

The varsity team dominated the first quarter, outscoring Orestimba 14-6 but the Warriors regrouped only allowing the Grizzlies to score eight points versus Orestimba’s 14.

Both teams scored 14 points in the third but the Grizzlies closed the door in the fourth, outscoring the Warriors 24-19.

“They were focused and in control of their emotions which led to our victory,” Lewis said.

“We hadn’t beaten Orestimba in nine consecutive games for the past couple of seasons and we wanted to change that.”

Kylee Hutchings dropped 23 points, including two three-point field goals and nine rebounds.

“Hutchings wants to win, she wants to learn and she wants the team to play great basketball,” Lewis said.

“That is the direction our team is heading.”

Livie Twiss had 14 points, two three-pointers, three rebounds and six steals.

Abby Beery finished with nine points, four rebounds, six assists and six steals.

On Monday, Dec. 22 the Grizzlies Frosh and JV teams hosted Golden Valley at MCHS.

The Frosh group took the win 53-27 while the JV squad won 65-27.

After facing Golden Valley, the JV team rolled into Christmas break with an 8-1 record.

The Grizzlies completed the preseason against the Sierra Chieftains at MCHS on Dec. 30.

Results were not available at press time.

“The team voted to practice New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, which I was surprised by and respect,” Lewis said.

“They want to be the best team when league comes.”

Next up, league action begins at the Grizzlies face the Knights from Stone Ridge Christian at MCHS on Jan. 2.